Under the proposed Finance Bill 2024, unemployed Kenyans aged 25 and above living with their parents will need to pay KSh 300 monthly for their own medical cover.
As NHIF shifts to SHIF (Social Health Insurance Fund), these individuals will be seen as separate households and must fully pay for their own healthcare.
“A person who has attained the age of 25 years and has no income of his or her own or is living with the contributor shall be treated as a household separate from the contributor,” the policy states.
Finance Bill Impact on Maternity Services
Pregnant women will also be affected significantly. Free maternity health care funding has been cut from Sh4.1 billion to Sh2 billion in the 2024/25 budget.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) tariff scheme will cover Sh11,200 for normal deliveries. And Sh32,600 for Caesarian Section (C-Section) deliveries.
Hospital stays are restricted to 48 hours for normal deliveries and 72 hours for C-Sections. Complications requiring extended stays will need fresh vetting before SHIF covers the additional costs.
However, maternity, neonatal, and child health services rates will remain the same under the SHIF.
Sh900 for Cancer Screening
The Public Healthcare Fund under the Finance Bill 2024 will allocate a maximum of Sh900 per person annually for services at Level 2 and 3 hospitals.
The Sh900 is expecteed to cover services including screening for common cancers, such as breast, cervical, prostate, and colon cancers.
For Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening, the tariff is set at Sh3,600.
While prostate tests will cost Sh1,500.
Screening for cervical cancer is limited to women aged 30 to 50. And prostate cancer screening is limited to men over 55.
For chronic illnesses, SHIF provides maximum Sh5,000 for 60 days of care for serious diseases.
The scheme also includes mental health services like rehab for addiction and screenings for behavioral issues.
SHIF is funded by a 2.75% contribution from all Kenyans. It covers doctor visits, tests, treatments, minor surgeries, and vaccinations.
By Vivian K.