CS Nakhumicha urges hospitals not to turn away patients, accept NHIF

The CS affirmed that there was no cause for alarm, despite revealing a staggering debt of Sh30 billion owed to NHIF.

While answering questions from Senators on Wednesday, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha said Kenyans should continue paying the NHIF as the country prepares to transition to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

She said the debt owed to various health facilities, which is preventing them from offering services, will be paid once the National Treasury releases the funds.

"The facilities do not need to disrupt services. Once they have provided services, their claims will be verified and reconciled, and they will be paid," Nakhumicha said.

The CS affirmed that there was no cause for alarm, despite revealing a staggering debt of Sh30 billion owed to NHIF, with Sh22 billion of this being attributed to government institutions.

She, however, assured the senators that the Treasury would release Sh8.5 billion next week to help clear the debts owed to hospitals.

"I also want to confirm that we have had a delay of the exchequer, which has given rise to the many huge bills being experienced across the country. We have received confirmation from the Treasury that the funds will be released this week," she said.

Health CS Nakhumicha: We are in the process of finalizing with the transitional committee, to ensure seamless transition from NHIF to Social Health Authority (SHA). Our intention and plan is that from 1st July 2024 we shall have completely moved to SHA. pic.twitter.com/cVCoSOKNtC

— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) April 17, 2024

SHIF payments

Under the new scheme, Kenyans are expected to start contributing to the Social Health Insurance Fund on July 1, 2024.

Acting corporation secretary at the Social Health Authority (SHA), Terry Rotich, announced that every Kenyan will be required to apply to the authority for registration as a SHIF member by June 30.

A household with salaried employees shall pay a monthly statutory deduction contribution to SHIF at a rate of 2.75 per cent of the gross salary.

The amount payable every month shall not be less than Sh300.

However, a household with no salaried employee shall pay an annual contribution to SHIF at a rate of 2.75 per cent of the household income as determined by the means-testing instrument.

The amount payable shall be paid fourteen days before the lapse of the annual contribution of the beneficiary.

Under the scheme, a beneficiary may access treatment outside Kenya in cases where the contributions in favour of the beneficiary comply with sections 27(1) and 2 of the SHIF Act, where the treatment sought is not available in Kenya, and where the treatment sought is being provided by a healthcare provider contracted by the authority.

A beneficiary who requires treatment from outside Kenya shall request the authority to authorise treatment by providing a referral overseas.