The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA) effective October 1, 2024, as part of the government’s initiative to implement universal health coverage (UHC).
In a public notice released on Monday, the Ministry of Health provided essential guidelines for employers on how to migrate their employees to SHA, which will manage the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
Every Kenyan citizen, including dependents, is required by law to register as a member of SHA. The notice emphasizes the importance of this transition, outlining payment deadlines and the use of the SHA Employer Portal.
Employers can access the SHA Employer Portal at https://sha.go.ke, which serves as the primary tool for managing employee SHIF contributions. The portal features three key functions:
- Employee Registration: Register employees and their dependents with SHA.
- Contribution Remittance: Remit SHIF contributions on behalf of employees.
- Report Generation: Generate reports and statements.
Steps to Access and Use the SHA Portal
- Create an Account: Visit the SHA website and create an employer account.
- Verify Your Account: Follow the instructions provided to verify your account.
- Add Employees: Enter your employees’ details and complete their registration with SHA.
- Make Contributions: Use the portal to remit SHIF contributions punctually.
Acting SHA CEO Elijah Wachira urged employers to ensure all employees are registered with SHA before the October 1 deadline and to adhere to payment timelines to avoid disruptions in healthcare coverage.
This transition comes in light of a recent court ruling that declared the Social Health Insurance Fund, along with the Primary Healthcare Act and Digital Health Act, unconstitutional. A three-judge bench found certain sections of the Social Health Insurance Act (SHIA) unconstitutional, particularly those requiring proof of compliance with registration and contributions for accessing health services.
The government has 120 days from the ruling date to rectify the identified legal breaches. In the meantime, the Ministry of Health has been encouraging the public to register with SHA to ensure their inclusion in the new health coverage system.
The last day for NHIF admissions will be September 30, 2024, with SHA benefits commencing on October 1. Payments made before October 9, 2024, will be credited to NHIF, while those made from November 9, 2024, onwards will be credited to SHA.
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