How To Register For SHIF Starting July 1- CS Susan Nakhumicha

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has announced that from July 1, 2024, registration for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) will commence across the country.

In a statement on Friday, June 28, the Ministry of Health announced that all Kenyans and residents of Kenya are required to register afresh to benefit from the SHIF.

As detailed, Kenyans can undertake self-registration during the countrywide exercise through two easy ways:

1. USSD: Self-registration for SHIF will be done via a USSD code USSD *147#.
2. Online: Kenyans wishing to self-register through the Internet can also enrol to the new health insurance coverage on the Social Health Authority (SHA) website - www.sha.go.ke.

Furthermore, Kenyans can also get assistance from Community Health Promoters, or by visiting National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) offices and other designated registration points. This registration process is free of charge.

"The SHI Act mandates the design and publication of a new benefit package. This has been developed through a consultative process and recently advertised for public participation and stakeholder input," the statement from the Ministry read in part.

"The feedback received will be incorporated ahead of a national validation and formal gazettement before the rollout."

The CS confirmed the Social Health Authority Board has received a list of empanelled facilities from regulatory bodies.

This will facilitate the Board in initiating contracts for service delivery, ensuring that healthcare providers and facilities are ready for the rollout.

For contributions, the CS however noted that normal contributions to the NHIF will continue until SHA is fully rolled out.

"In light of the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, which sought to finance the Primary Healthcare Fund and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund, the Ministry is reworking plans to align with this new reality. Consequently, existing NHIF contributions and benefits will continue until the transition to SHI is complete," added the statement.

CS Nakhumicha assured all Kenyans, particularly those currently benefiting from NHIF services, that they would not be denied any services during this transition phase.

All facilities have however been urged to continue providing services, with all claims to be verified and settled as usual.

The new SHA will see Kenyans required to pay 2.75 per cent of their gross salary to SHIF from July 1, under the new Authority. Unemployed Kenyans will only pay a minimum of Ksh300.