The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will cease to provide healthcare services after September 30, 2024, as the Kenyan government gears up to implement a new insurance system known as the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
This transition is set to take full effect on October 1, 2024, with services managed by the upcoming Social Health Authority (SHA).
NHIF CEO Elijah Wachira announced the transition in a statement on Sunday, clarifying that contributions made before October 9 will still be credited to NHIF, while payments made after this date will go to SHA. Employers must register their employees under the new scheme before the October cut-off, using the SHA employer portal at https://sha.go.ke/.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa indicated that the new Social Health Insurance Act (SHIA) will introduce significant enhancements, including an expanded Linda Mama program aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates in Kenya. The revised benefits package will also provide cancer patients with coverage of up to Ksh.400,000 for various oncological services.
In an effort to address rising healthcare costs, the new scheme includes increased tariffs for maternity services, now set at Ksh.10,000 for normal deliveries and Ksh.30,000 for C-sections. Additional provisions cover outpatient services for patients with chronic illnesses, including Ksh.4,300 for diabetes, Ksh.2,850 for hypertension, and Ksh.6,800 for sickle cell anaemia annually.
Inpatient services will also see a restructured tariff system based on hospital level, with charges ranging from Ksh.3,360 in Level 4 hospitals to Ksh.4,480 in Level 6 facilities. Dialysis services for kidney failure management will be similarly priced, ensuring comprehensive health coverage across diverse medical needs.
This transition marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s healthcare system, aiming to improve accessibility and quality of services for all citizens.
