Starting in October 2024, the Government of Kenya will roll out the Social Health Insurance Fund services after ensuring the NHIF cards have been dealt away with.
This is according to President Ruto’s advisor on health financing Daniel Mwai who spoke at a Spice FM interview. He revealed that the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA) will not be issuing cards.
Mwai noted that Kenyans will use their National ID cards to access SHIF. He emphasized the need to centralize services, as many Kenyans have multiple cards.
Using one ID card for all government services, including healthcare, simplifies access.
However, Kenyans will be required to take up biometric verification at the hospital. This will be done to identify the patient and remove any loopholes for forged medical claims.
“Our expectation is that you will use your ID card. People are in the business of having too many cards,” he said.
“Once you go to the hospital with your ID card, the facility will already be known and the charge will be removed from your card. The biometrics will uniquely identify you.”
To streamline the verification process, Kenyans particularly those covered by NHIF, will need to have their biometrics verified. This shall be done at various NHIF offices, as the State launches plans to equip Community Health Promoters with biometric devices to assist the process.
What you will need to register for SHIF
The Social Health Insurance Fund whose registration process started on July 1st can be done on the SHA website or by dialling the USSD code *147#.
Under the SHIF program, Kenyans will be able to receive treatment at any hospital of their choice, unlike NHIF where one was required to register the facilities where they would be treated.
According to Mwai, SHIF will also cover treatment costs in high-end private hospitals. However, expenses will only be covered up to the specified tariff limits.
“In the past, we had a lot of issues with the choice of facilities. You had to choose the facilities where you had to go. Where we are moving to, i a different environment altogether. Kenyans will choose the facilities where they will be going,” Mwai stated.
“They will also be able to know the benefit they are entitled to and the money they will be charged from the card even before they go to the hospital.”
Moreover, SHIF payments will be accepted at designated private pharmacies. This change is particularly beneficial, given that hospitals often direct patients to private pharmacies when they run out of medicine.
Payments will be made according to the specified tariffs.