The government has announced that Kenyans will not access healthcare services under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) after September 30, 2024 as it plans to fully transition to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

According to NHIF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elijah Wachira, the benefits under the SHIF shall take effect on October 1, 2024, and will be managed by the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Speaking in a statement on Sunday, Wachira said that payments received on or before October 9 shall be credited to NHIF and payments made onwards will be credited to SHA.

Employers have been advised to register their staff members before October 1 and use the SHA employer portal through https://sha.go.ke/ to manage their staff's contributions.

Further, Wachira said that an employer will first be required to create an account and verify their account , enter their employees' details and register them with SHA.

All contributions, 2.75% of an employee's monthly pay, will then be remitted to SHIF.

The Ministry of Health released new tariffs for the benefits package in the new Social Health Insurance Act (SHIA) medical scheme on August 30, 2024.

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa confirmed that the Linda Mama programme for expectant mothers will be incorporated and enhanced to sustain the gains in reducing maternal mortality rates in Kenya.

Under SHIF, patients with diabetes seeking outpatient services provided in Level 4 to 6 facilities will get a cover of up to Kes 4,300, those dealing with hypertension Kes 2,850, while those having sickle cell anaemia Kes 6,800 per year.

Inpatient services in Level 4 to 6 hospitals, with a limit of admission of up to 180 days per household, shall charge a tariff of Kes 3,360 in Level 4, Kes 3,920 in Level 5, and Kes 4,480 in Level 6.

Tariffs for the management of kidney failure in Level 3-6 facilities will range from Kes 10,650 for hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration services per session and a Kes 85,200 monthly fee for peritoneal dialysis.