Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha has revealed that high-income earners will be required to contribute a maximum of KSh5000 in the new NHIF deductions.
She noted that the new Social Health Insurance (SHI) under the Social Health Authority will replace NHIF.
Nakhumicha noted that the 2.75 percent deductions towards Social Health Insurance (SHI) had been capped at a maximum of KSh5000.
Speaking during an interview with TV47 on Monday, September 11, the Health CS said that the minimum amount towards the health scheme is KSh300.
According to the CS, the government is planning to offer a subsidy program for Kenyans who are unable to pay the Ksh300 towards the medical cover.
Nakhumicha explained that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a priority in the Kenya Kwanza government.
She added that the government was putting in place policies and laws that would ensure the smooth implementation of UHC.
“Universal Health Coverage is a top priority for the Kenya Kwanza Government led by President Williams Ruto. To achieve Afya Bora Mashinani, it is the government’s aspiration that all Kenyans have access to essential quality health services without suffering financial hardship,” she said.
‘It’s cheaper and much more important to invest in preventive healthcare with Community Health Promoters (CHP) being at the center of service provision in the delivery of UHC,” she added.
She was optimistic that the proposed Primary Health Care Bill, Digital Health Bill, Facility Improvement Fund Bill, and Social Health Insurance Bill will ensure the success of UHC.
The Ministry of Health is currently conducting stakeholder engagement on the four health Bills approved by the Cabinet.
If passed by Parliament, the Bills will establish three funds, namely the Primary Health Care Fund, Social Health Insurance Fund, and Emergency, Chronic, Critical Illness Fund.
Still, on the same matter of health, President William Ruto is expected to flag off the 100,000 community health promoters during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.
This year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, will be held in Kericho County.
