Govt Releases New SHIF Rate Packages, Salaried And Non-Salaried Kenyans To Contribute

• 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
• Kidney failure management will range from KSh 10,650 for each session for hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration treatments and KSh 85,200 per month for peritoneal dialysis

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The Ministry of Health has released a new benefits package under the Social Health Insurance Act (SHIA) medical scheme.

Will Linda Mama be restored?

According to Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, the Linda Mama programme for pregnant women will be improved and integrated to maintain the progress made in lowering Kenya's maternal death rates.

Up to KSh 400,000 would be covered for various oncological services for cancer patients.

Speaking at the National Validation Forum for the new tariffs to the SHIA benefits package, Barasa led stakeholders in discussing methods to ensure everyone has access to high-quality, reasonably priced healthcare.

"In response to the rising maternal mortality rate (MMR), we have prioritised financing for indigent pregnant mothers. Tariffs for normal deliveries have been increased to KSh 10,000 and for C-sections to KSh 30,000, ensuring comprehensive coverage for mothers and their families," she said.

What are the other rates under SHIF?

Under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), patients with sickle cell anaemia will receive a cover of up to KSh 6,800, those with diabetes KSh 4,300, and patients with hypertension KSh 2,850. All of these patients would receive outpatient care at Level 4 to six facilities.

With a 180-day admission cap per household, inpatient services in Levels 4 through 6 hospitals will cost KSh 3,360 in Level 4, KSh 3,920 in Level 5, and KSh 4,480 in Level 6.

Kidney failure management in Level 3-6 facilities will range from KSh 10,650 for each session for hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration treatments to KSh 85,200 per month for peritoneal dialysis to manage renal failure.

"Both salaried and non-salaried Kenyans will make a monthly 2.75% contribution of their income to the fund," the ministry stated.

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 there would be 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 Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.