In a significant development following the lifting of court orders against the Social Health Insurance Act 2023, the Ministry of Health has initiated public participation for the formulation of regulations guiding its implementation. Health CS, Susan Nakhumicha, has invited the public to contribute their perspectives on the Social Health Insurance General Regulations 2024.
These regulations cover crucial aspects such as the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund, the emergency chronic and critical illness fund, and the Social Health Insurance Dispute Resolution Tribulation Regulations 2024.
The amended regulations address legal concerns and mandate every person in Kenya to register with the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) within 90 days of the regulations taking effect.
Healthcare services under the Primary Healthcare Fund will be accessible to all Kenyan residents. Contributions remain at 2.75% per month for salaried employees and 2.75% of annual income for unsalaried households. The means testing instruments consider various socio-economic factors, and the minimum payable amount is set at Ksh. 300.
Collections will be facilitated by the CS for Treasury at the national level and county-level CECs for Treasury activities. Notably, the regulations do not address capping contributions, leaving it open for public discourse over the next three weeks.
The Ministry aims to compile public feedback, prepare a comprehensive report, and seek approval from both the national assembly and the senate health committee before gazettement. The anticipated conclusion of this process is before March, marking the commencement of deductions to finance the universal healthcare program under the Social Health Insurance Act. Public engagement is paramount in shaping the future of healthcare financing in Kenya, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach.
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Proposed-Social Health Insurance Fund