Most Kenyans registering for SHA without adding dependants, Chairperson Mohamed says

SHA Chairperson Dr. Abdi Mohamed on Sunday said the authority has made significant steps in registering Kenyans, after the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) was replaced by the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). 

"We have also noted that most beneficiaries are registering but not adding their dependants. We call upon all to add their dependents for them to access healthcare services as well," Mohamed said.

He further assured that all registered SHA beneficiaries are entitled to free access to Primary Healthcare Services under the Primary Healthcare Fund at Levels 2 (Dispensaries), 3 (Health Centres) and select level 4 Health Facilities and Emergency services in all health facilities.

"We have so far registered 12,704,548 members into the Social Health Authority. This number includes verified members who were under the defunct NHIF and who have been transitioned to the Social Health Authority as per Legal Notice No. 147 of 2024," Mohamed revealed further. 

On the same platform, Dr Brian Lishenga, the chairperson of the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA), said that they have received reassurance from SHA that NHIF portal remains open for health facilities to return contracts and to be able to start offering services to those who have registered on SHA. 

The authority said it has since addressed challenges that were experienced during the initial stages of transitioning, assuring that services are currently available on the SHA E-claims portal. 

"We have also made sure that the Health Insurance Claims System (HICS) operating under the defunct NHIF continues to be in operation for member verification, discharge of patients admitted before 1st October, 2024 and for claims management of the active enhanced schemes whose Contracts have not expired."

This comes after Kenyans raised concerns about the transition to SHA, with many patients unable to get services as many health facilities stopped taking the defunct NHIF. 

The government has continued to encourage Kenyans to embrace the new changes, even as concerns continue being raised over the quality of health services with the new model.