The Government of Kenya has announced the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the newly established Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) by October 2024, a key milestone in the country’s pursuit of universal health coverage. This significant policy shift, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, is part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and aims to expand access to healthcare for all Kenyans, including dependents.
The move follows the enactment of the Social Health Insurance (SHI) Act 2023, which also created the Social Health Authority (SHA). SHA will assume control of national health coverage and streamline services under one umbrella, marking a pivotal shift in Kenya’s healthcare landscape. As of 1st October 2024, all NHIF functions and benefits will officially transition to SHA, with the new fund expected to provide enhanced health services to Kenyan citizens.
Key Transition Dates
The Ministry of Health has provided critical timelines for the transition. The last admission under NHIF is set for 30th September 2024, meaning Kenyans who wish to enroll in NHIF will need to do so by that date. From 1st October 2024, SHA will assume all functions previously under NHIF.
The Ministry also outlined payment deadlines, stating that any contributions made on or before 9th October 2024 will be credited to NHIF. After that, any payments received from 9th November 2024 onwards will be credited to SHA. This staggered approach aims to ensure a smooth transition without disrupting existing healthcare coverage.
Employer Guidance: SHA Portal
Employers will play a vital role in ensuring a seamless transition for their employees. SHA has introduced a dedicated employer portal (https://sha.go.ke/), where employers can manage the health insurance contributions of their workforce.
The Ministry of Health emphasized that employers are responsible for registering their employees and dependents with SHA. Additionally, the portal allows for contribution remittance, generating reports on payments, and managing employee information, including changes in dependents.
The Ministry advises all employers to ensure their employees are registered with SHA by 1st October 2024 to avoid any disruption in healthcare coverage. Employers are also encouraged to adhere to the outlined payment deadlines to ensure continued healthcare benefits for their workers.
Key Features of the SHA Portal
The SHA Employer Portal comes with several critical functions:
Employee Registration: Allows employers to register employees and their dependents with SHA.
Contribution Remittance: Employers can remit health insurance contributions for their employees.
Generate Reports: Employers can access and download statements related to contributions.
Update Employee Information: Manage changes to employee details and their dependents, ensuring that the information remains up to date.
The SHA Employer Portal is designed to streamline the process of employee healthcare management, ensuring that employers remain compliant with the new health insurance framework.
Healthcare Access under SHA
Under the new system, every Kenyan citizen will be registered with SHA as part of the government’s broader strategy to expand healthcare access. This reform is part of a broader push by the Kenyan government to implement Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under its BETA agenda, ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind in accessing essential health services.
Employers are urged to comply with the new regulations to ensure a smooth transition, with the Ministry of Health promising a more accessible and efficient healthcare system for all.
How to Access and Use the SHA Portal
The Ministry of Health has outlined the steps for employers to follow to register and manage their employees on the SHA Portal. These steps include:
Creating an Account: Employers will need to visit the SHA website and create an account.
Verifying the Account: Employers must follow the verification instructions provided by SHA.
Adding Employees: Employers should input the details of their employees and register them with SHA.
Making Contributions: Employers can then use the portal to remit contributions for their employees.
Contact and Support
For further assistance, employers and the general public are encouraged to contact SHA via their email (customercare@sha.go.ke) or through the toll-free number (0800 720 601). The support team is available to help employers navigate the new system and ensure they meet all the requirements ahead of the 1st October 2024 deadline.
The Ministry of Health has emphasized that the transition to SHA is a key component of Kenya’s long-term health reform agenda, aimed at ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all Kenyans.
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