Gov’t Asks Kenyans to Update Dependant Details on SHA Portal.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai has emphasized the importance of public members updating their dependants’ information on the Social Health Authority (SHA) portal.
He highlighted that doing so would facilitate seamless service delivery at health facilities across the country.
Kimtai explained that most registered individuals have not yet added their dependants to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) scheme, which could hinder effective service delivery.
To address this, he called for enhanced collaboration between the ministry and county governments to ensure that all enrolled members list their dependants appropriately.
To register dependants, members must specify the type of relationship for each listed person, and for dependants under 18, a birth certificate must also be provided.
The PS reported that the SHA enrolment process has been largely successful, although some challenges were experienced in the initial phase.
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He assured that these issues are being addressed, particularly through efforts with county governments to increase registrations.
Kimtai’s statements were made during a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Health, the SHA, and the County Executive Committee (CEC) Members Health Caucus, held in Nairobi.
The PS described the meeting as essential for ensuring the successful implementation of SHA initiatives.
New Benefits Under SHA
Kimtai assured the public that once fully operational, the SHA would provide more comprehensive benefits than those previously offered under the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The SHA program includes three distinct funds designed to cover various healthcare needs:
- Primary Healthcare Fund: This fund will cover free medical treatment at dispensaries and health centers for patients registered under SHA.
- Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF): Contributors will gain access to enhanced outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care services. The SHIF also extends coverage to mental health, critical illnesses, and major surgeries.
- Emergency, Chronic, & Critical Illness Fund: This fund will provide emergency coverage for severe conditions such as cancer and kidney disease requiring dialysis.
Kimtai outlined that the SHA contribution is set at 2.75% of household income. For those who are not on payroll, a fair premium rate will be determined based on a means-testing tool to assess their payment capability.
Collaboration with Counties to Increase Registration
In a bid to boost registration rates, the PS reaffirmed plans to work closely with county governments.
He expressed confidence that overcoming initial challenges and ensuring proper enrolment procedures would be instrumental in achieving a fully functional and effective health coverage system under the SHA.
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The PS reiterated that the collaboration with the CEC Health Caucus was a strategic step towards ensuring the SHA rollout’s success and delivering more extensive healthcare services than previously available under the NHIF.
Gov’t Asks Kenyans to Update Dependant Details on SHA Portal.
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