The Ministry of Health has disclosed that 12,704,548 Kenyans have so far been registered for the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In a statement dated October 6, Principal Secretary, State Department for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, noted that the number included verified members who were under the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and were transitioned to SHA.
"As of today, October 6, 2024, we have registered a total of 12,704,548 members into the Social Health Authority. This number includes verified members who were under the defunct NHIF and have been transitioned to the Social Health Authority under Legal Notice No. 147 of 2024," Kimtai remarked.
Registration for SHA
The PS stated that registration for SHA is a continuous process and it is still ongoing through the USSD code *147# or the web-based portals at www.sha.go.ke or www.afyayangu.go.ke.
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Kimtai, however, noted that most members were registering without including their beneficiaries, and urged everyone to ensure their beneficiaries are added in order for them to access services.
“We have noted that most beneficiaries are registering but not adding their dependents. We call upon all to add their dependents for them to access healthcare services as well," Kimtai explained.
At the same time, the PS maintained that all registered SHA beneficiaries are entitled to free access to primary healthcare services under the Primary Healthcare Fund at Level 2 (dispensaries), Level 3 (health centres), and select Level 4 facilities, as well as emergency services in all health facilities.
Contracted health facilities
Kimtai disclosed that all public hospitals from Levels 2 to 6 have been contracted to offer services to SHA-registered beneficiaries.
He further added that 1,442 private and faith-based health facilities have signed contracts with the government and are therefore offering services to the registered beneficiaries.
The PS explained that after discussions with private and faith-based hospital associations, it was agreed that all facilities under their management should return signed contracts by Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
“They have committed to ensuring continued access to healthcare services to all SHA-registered beneficiaries during this transition period,” Kimtai stated.
The list of all health facilities contracted and offering services is available on the web-based portal at https://sha.go.ke/resources/categories/2.
SHA e-claims system
The PS acknowledged challenges on the e-claims portal in the initial days of the rollout of SHA, particularly on member verification and claims processing.
However, Kimtai confirmed that the issue has been resolved, and the e-claims system is now fully operational, adding that over 10,900 end users have been trained and enrolled in the system.
"For healthcare providers who have not received credentials, SHA has circulated a provider portal user onboarding form. Healthcare provider are hereby encouraged to fill and submit the onboarding form immediately," the Health PS explained.
Additionally, Kimtai affirmed that the government has made sure that the Health Insurance Claims System (HICS) from the defunct NHIF remains operational for members admitted before October 1, 2024 and for claims of enhanced schemes whose contracts have not expired.
Pending bills and bills arising from the transition
Kimtai noted that a joint committee chaired by the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Medical Services will be constituted to undertake verification of all pending bills incurred under the defunct NHIF.
"We have committed to healthcare providers to prioritise the bills during the transition period. As a result, there shall be frequent consultations with all healthcare providers,” the PS stated.
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to a smooth transition to ensure that no registered SHA beneficiary is denied healthcare services.
