Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has announced plans by the government to begin clearing pending National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) claims including those under the Linda Mama programme.
In a statement on Monday, Nakhumicha acknowledged concerns sparked by fears that the Ministry had scrapped programs including the Linda Mama under the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
However, according to the statement, payment will only be made after verifying all claims.
From the CS’s remarks, NHIF will carry out a rigorous process of verification to weed out fraudulent claims.
“NHIF will embark on payment of pending claims including claims under the Linda Mama programme that had become a concern across the health sector,” stated Nakhumicha.
“I must emphasize that only legitimate and reconciled claims will be paid, and I have instructed NHIF to ensure that the process of verification is rigorous to weed out any fraudulent claims.”
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In addition, the CS allayed fears that the government had abandoned the Linda Mama program in the new SHIF, assuring that maternal and child clinics will be covered.
Nakhumicha made the announcement after a meeting with stakeholders including officials in the Ministry of Health, Council of Governors, and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.
SHIF opposition due to Linda Mama uncertainty
The question about the fate of the Linda Mama program had emerged as a burning concern ahead of the expected switch to the SHIF.
In addition, the SHIF has also come under scrutiny due to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the EduAfya program meant to provide cover for students.
The government had in 2023 sparked nationwide outcry after the move to phase the EduAfya program was announced. The program incepted during the reign of former President Uhuru Kenyatta was designed to provide insurance cover for learners.
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However, the Health Ministry scrapped the program from its budget and moved the Ksh 6 billion allocated for the program to the Primary Healthcare Fund which the government noted would ensure that students and their families are covered.
In her explanation, CS Nakhumicha said that it was illogic to have a student covered under the EduAfya while the rest of the family members lacked a substantive cover hence the decision to scrap it.
Many see SHIF as a solution to challenges in accessing health solutions in the country, with the Kenya Kwanza promising a new order where cases of families plunging into bankruptcy due to medical bills will be history.
All Kenyans will be expected to register afresh for the SHIF beginning July 1. Employers will subsequently be required to remit deductions to the new fund as the government rushes to regularize guidelines meant to govern the SHIF.
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