SHIF medical insurance cover. President William Ruto’s administration amended the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to include three required funds for all adults over the age of 18.
New requirements for SHIF
The Social Health Insurance Act 2023, which has yet to take effect, requires all Kenyans and foreigners resident in the nation to be members.
Section 26 (5) of the Act requires national and county governments to refuse services to anyone who has not registered for SHIF.
SHIF medical insurance cover
“A person who is registrable as a member under this Act shall produce proof of compliance with the provisions of this Act on registration and contribution as a precondition of dealing with or accessing public services from the national and county governments,” the law stated in part,
According to Nation, the government aimed the new health insurance at 17 million Kenyans over the age of 18.
Monthly contribution to SHIF
On October 19, 2023, the Act was adopted, and Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha is awaiting the gazettement.
Employees in the formal sector, both public and private, will part with 2.75% of their salary as a contribution to the kitty.
SHIF medical insurance cover
Kenyans in informal employment will contribute up to KSh 500 per month towards the scheme.
What Kenyans Had to Say About NHIF Changes
In August 2023, Ruto’s Cabinet adopted four healthcare legislation, which resulted in the repeal of NHIF, the implementation of SHIF, and the introduction of two other schemes.
The modifications raised questions among Kenyans, who disputed the ramifications of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s move.
They worried what the repeal of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), a parastatal formed in 1966 as a department under the Ministry of Health, meant for healthcare in the country and their contribution as recipients of medical coverage.
They contended that the potential implementation of the three funds would result in greater deductions for each service.