Medical Services Principal Secretary (PS) Harry Kimtai has urged the public to update their dependants' information on the Social Health Authority (SHA) portal to ensure smooth service delivery at health facilities.

At a meeting in Nairobi with ministry officials and County Executive Committee (CEC) members from the Health Caucus, Kimtai was reassured that the initial challenges faced during the SHA rollout were being addressed.

PHOTO | COURTESY medical Services Principal Secretary (PS) Harry Kimtai

Kimtai emphasized the importance of collaboration between the ministry and counties to increase SHA enrollment, especially in ensuring that registered individuals also list their dependents in the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) medical scheme.

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He noted that many enrollees have yet to update dependant details, which is crucial for accessing healthcare benefits.

During the meeting, Kimtai explained that SHA now has three funds instead of one under the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). These funds include the Primary Healthcare Fund, which covers free medical services at dispensaries and health centers for SHA-registered individuals, and the SHIF, which provides expanded outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care, including mental health services, major surgeries, and critical illness coverage.

PHOTO | COURTESY Medical Services Principal Secretary (PS) Harry Kimtai

Additionally, the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund will offer coverage for conditions such as cancer, kidney disease requiring dialysis, and other severe ailments. To ensure efficient service delivery, members must specify the type of relationship with each dependant and provide birth certificates for those under 18.

The SHA contribution is set at 2.75% of household income, and for those not on payroll, a fair premium will be calculated using a means-testing tool.

Kimtai assured us that SHA will offer more comprehensive benefits once fully implemented than NHIF.