Govt Directs All Employers To Transition To SHIF, Register Employees On New Portal

• The Ministry of Health noted that the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA) effective October 1
• It said the last day of admission under NHIF is September 30, with payments received on or before October 9 being credited to NHIF
• The government said the SHA employer portal will be the primary tool for managing employees' contributions

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The Ministry of Health has ordered all employers nationwide to transition to the new health insurance scheme, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

When is the last day of NHIF admissions?

In a notice on Monday, September 16, the ministry noted that the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA) effective October 1.

The ministry said the last day of admission under NHIF is September 30.

"Effective October 1, the National Health Insurance Fund will be transitioned to the Social Health Authority. As such, every citizen, including dependents, is mandated by law to register as a member of the SHA," the Ministry of Health stated.

How to register on the SHA employer portal

The government said the SHA employer portal will be the primary tool for managing employees' contributions.

Employers will be mandated to make contributions on behalf of their employees.

The registration procedure is as follows:

• Visit the SHA website and create an employer account.
• Verify your account.
• Add employee details.
• Make contributions.

"Ensure all employees are registered with SHA before October 1 and kindly adhere to the payment deadlines to avoid any disruptions in healthcare coverage for your employees," the ministry added.

It clarified that payments received on or before October 9 will be credited to NHIF, while payments received from November 9 will be credited to SHA.

What are the new SHIF packages?

In August, the Ministry of Health released a new benefits package under the Social Health Insurance Act (SHIA) medical scheme.

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa said the Linda Mama programme for pregnant women will be improved and integrated under SHIF.

Under SHIF, patients with sickle cell anaemia will receive a cover of up to KSh 6,800, while those with diabetes would get KSh 4,300.

What did the courts rule on SHIF?

• The High Court suspended its initial ruling that declared the SHIF unconstitutional following an appeal from the attorney general's office.
• The three-judge bench suspended the decision for 45 days, allowing the AG to appeal and implement the initial ruling, ensuring no void in the health sector.
• Justices Fridah Mugambi, Alfred Mabeya, Robert Limo, and Freda Mugambi clarified that the suspension does not apply to Sections 26(5) and 27(4) of the Social Health Insurance Act.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke