SHA claims system fully operational, 12.6M Kenyans registered – Health ministry
The
Ministry of Health now says the Social Health Authority (SHA) claims system is fully
operational, as it noted that over 12.6 million Kenyans have since registered
into the new medical scheme.
Medical
Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, in a statement to newsrooms on
Friday, acknowledged that the transition from the National Health Insurance
Fund (NHIF) to SHA has come with some challenges, but reassured the public that
efforts are underway to ensure a smooth process.
PS
Kimtai thanked Kenyans for their patience and cooperation, emphasizing that the
functional claims system will streamline the provision of healthcare services
under SHA.
“We
are pleased to confirm that the SHA claims system is fully operational,” he
stated, signaling a crucial milestone in the new healthcare structure.
He
also noted that training for healthcare facilities on how to use the claims
portal commenced on Friday at 3pm, and will continue throughout the coming
week.
The
initiative aims to equip health providers with the necessary skills to navigate
the new system efficiently, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.
“Currently,
232 out of 353 renal and oncology providers have committed to delivering
services under SHA and this list will be published online today. Pre-authorization
is not required for service provision to previously paid up NHIF members
seeking renal and oncology care since they transitioned to SHA,” added the PS.
“Registration
is underway nationwide, with hospitals focused on providing information and
assisting the public with prompt registration. Beneficiaries can also easily
self-register by dialing *147# or through the SHA website. Community health
promoters and SHA-designated registration points are available for additional
support. So far, over 12.6 Million Kenyans have registered.”
PS
Kimtai also emphasized the secure handling of patient data through the National
Health Information Exchange (NHIE), which is managed by the Digital Health Agency,
in compliance with the Data Protection Act No. 24 of 2019.
He
went ahead to state that former NHIF members will see their contributions transferred
into the SHA system.
“A
means-testing instrument integrated into the system will determine contributions
for non-salaried members,” noted Kimtai.
“The
contracting process with healthcare providers is ongoing. As of today, all
public health facilities and 1,577 private and faith-based health facilities
have signed the contract with SHA. Health Facilities have been instructed not
to deny services during this transition period.”
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