SHIF registration to commence on July 1

Health CS Susan Nakhumicha addressing the media at Afya House on March 18, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The transition from National Health Insurance Fund to Social Health Insurance Fund is set to commence on July 1, 2024.

While brieding the media on the progress of the rollout, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha said the registration will be free.

"In preparation for the rollout of the Social Health Insurance and its benefits, I hereby announce that registration shall commence from July 1, 2024," said Nakhumicha.

Nakhumicha said there had been commendable progress towards the implementation of the Social Health Authority.

"Therefore, the existing NHIF contributions and benefits will continue until we roll over to SHA," she added.

"I want to give assurance to all Kenyans and in particular, those who have been enjoying healthcare services under NHIF that they will not be denied any services during this rollout phase. I call upon all facilities to continue offering services to Kenyans and assure them that all claims will be verified and settled."

The CS announced that the process will involve self-registration through the SHA website or at *147#.

Nakhumicha added that in compliance with the SHI Act, the Social Health Authority Board has requested and received from the regulatory bodies the list of impaneled facilities that will facilitate the SHA Board to initiate contracting for purposes of service delivery ahead of the rollout.

She noted that the reforms in the sector have yielded fruits despite health coverage remaining low at 25 per cent.

Nakhumicha further added that optimization of the benefit package of the new model will be addressed through digitization to help reduce wastage.