In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- Proposed changes to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) could reduce costs for polygamous families by recognizing them as one household, requiring a man with two wives to pay a total of 2.75% instead of 5.5% as per the current scheme.
- The Health Ministry aims to refine the language of the proposal in response to MPs’ concerns, with a target to implement the new SHIF scheme on July 1, 2024, while requiring all Kenyans to register by June 30.
Polygamous families could see reduced costs under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) if proposed changes are approved.
During a parliamentary meeting with Health Ministry officials, members of the National Assembly Delegated Legislation Committee raised concerns about the current proposal requiring individuals with multiple spouses to pay additional premiums under the medical scheme.
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Under the existing rules, a man with two wives would need to pay 2.75% for each wife, amounting to 5.5% in total under the SHIF scheme, since they are recognized as separate households.
However, MPs argued that the proposal should be revised, replacing the term ‘additional spouse’ with ‘households.’
If the proposal is approved, a man with two wives would only need to pay 2.75% total, recognizing his family as one household.
Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai assured lawmakers that the proposal would be considered and refined.
The committee’s chairperson, Samuel Chepkonga, directed Kimtai to provide a corrigendum within a week, incorporating the necessary changes.
A corrigendum in this context refers to a document correcting any inaccuracies in the publication.
The committee also questioned whether the regulations would meet Kenyans’ expectations, emphasizing the need for all considerations to be reviewed before implementing the new medical scheme.
The Health Ministry has set a deadline for all Kenyans to register for SHIF by June 30, 2024, ahead of its official rollout on July 1.
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Until then, Kenyans will continue contributing to the current National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) before the new scheme takes effect.
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