UDA Governor Denounces SHIF Opting For Private Insurance For All County Officials
Murang’a County Governor Irungu Kang’ata revealed on Sunday, June 16, that his administration plans to outsource medical coverage to the private sector.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) elected county boss explained that the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which will be implemented in July, will not provide a favourable package for employees.
This is despite the fact that SHIF was developed by UDA and championed by President William Ruto as a means of achieving universal health coverage in Kenya.
“Starting in October 2024, the County plans to outsource employee medical cover to the private sector, as SHIF will not include an enhanced benefits package,” Kang’ata stated.
— Irungu Kang'ata (@HonKangata) June 16, 2024
The governor also revealed that he would outsource medical insurance for employees, claiming that SHIF would disadvantage them.
Murang’a County currently, in partnership with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), offers Kang’atacare medical coverage to over 20,000 households.
Kang’atacare provides households with access to inpatient and outpatient services, as well as dental and optical coverage.
Other distinguishing features of the coverage include the last expense coverage of Ksh 100,000 for principal members, spouses, and children, as well as Ksh 50,000 for parents.
“During this transition period, there have been disruptions in service provision for employees seeking medical services and Kang’atacare beneficiaries seeking last expense reimbursement,” Kang’ata explained the challenges of phasing out NHIF.
He informed the public that about 400 families were awaiting final expense payments.
“Kang’atacare’s last expense cover will also be outsourced since SHIF will not offer enhanced last expense coverage,” he explained of the plan going forward.
The Ministry of Health has announced that healthcare services will be transferred to the Social Health Authority (SHA) under three separate funds: the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF), SHIF, and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF).
According to Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha of the Ministry of Health, registering for SHIF will provide automatic access to PHF.
While Governor Kang’ata is legally entitled to seek private medical insurance for county employees, all Kenyan residents must register with SHIF and pay a 2.75 percent gross salary deduction.
UDA Governor Denounces SHIF Opting For Private Insurance For All County Officials
