The government’s pivotal shift in healthcare insurance by transitioning from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) is at an advanced stage.
The new health insurance strategy aims to ensure equity and access to quality healthcare by covering everyone in the country, including those NHIF had left out.
In the latest development, the government encouraged students to register as dependents of their parents under SHIF to enjoy the benefits of this revamped healthcare system.
How to Register to SHIF
Registration is available online at sha.go.ke or afyangu.go.ke, via USSD code *147#, or by downloading a soft copy from the SHIF website at www.sha.go.ke.
For any challenges during registration, one is encouraged to contact the Social Health Authority on 0800720601 or info@sha.go.ke
Register today to enjoy enhanced access to healthcare.
Advantages of SHIF
As mentioned earlier, SHIF brings about reduced healthcare costs, particularly benefiting low-income families by fully covering essential medical services that many struggle to afford.
The fund will offer broad medical coverage including maternity services, dialysis for kidney patients, and various cancer treatments.
In addition to improving the scope of covered services, SHIF will enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare through the digitisation of services.
This digital approach is aimed at increasing transparency and streamlining the efficiency of healthcare delivery.
Furthermore, SHIF emphasises the importance of primary healthcare, which plays a crucial role in preventing diseases and managing chronic conditions effectively at a community level before they escalate into more serious health issues.
Under SHIF, all workers are expected to contribute 2.75% of their income to the fund. The government will cover residents who cannot afford the contributions.
Self-employed or unemployed Kenyans who contributed KSh 500 monthly to NHIF will now pay KSh 300, based on their ability to contribute.
