What Is SHA and How Do You Register and Use It?

Understanding the Shift from NHIF to SHA

The healthcare landscape in Kenya is evolving. The transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA) has left many residents of Nairobi, Kiambu, and beyond with questions. What exactly is SHA, and how does it impact your healthcare access at facilities like Medveel Medical Centre? This guide provides all the answers.

What is SHA?

The Social Health Authority (SHA) is the new body established to manage health insurance in Kenya, replacing NHIF. Its mandate is to ensure the realization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), providing equitable access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans without causing financial hardship.

SHA manages three main funds: The Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund. This structure aims to provide broader coverage than the previous NHIF model.

Why the Change?

According to the government, the shift aims to address systemic issues within the old NHIF structure, offering more comprehensive outpatient and inpatient benefits and reducing out-of-pocket expenditure for Kenyan households.

How to Register for SHA

Registration for SHA is mandatory for all Kenyans and residents. The process has been digitized to make it easier for everyone.

1. Via USSD: Dial *147# on your mobile phone and follow the prompts to register. This is the simplest method and works on any phone.
2. Online Portal: Visit the official SHA website (sha.go.ke) and navigate to the registration section. You will need your National ID and KRA PIN.
3. Assisted Registration: Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and various registration centers can assist those who cannot register digitally.

If you live around Githurai or Thika Road, our front desk at Medveel Medical Centre is always happy to guide you on navigating health insurance processes during your visit.

Contributions: How Much Do You Pay?

Unlike NHIF, which had a fixed tiered system, SHA contributions are calculated as 2.75% of a household's gross income. There is a minimum contribution threshold for unemployed individuals and informal sector workers to ensure everyone contributes equitably to the pool.

Using SHA at Hospitals

Once registered and your contributions are up to date, you can access services at accredited health facilities. You will need to select a primary healthcare provider for outpatient services. For specialized or inpatient care, referrals may be required depending on the tier of the facility.

Note: Medveel Medical Centre is actively updating our billing systems to integrate with the new SHA guidelines. We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for our patients in Kiambu and Nairobi. Please check back here or contact our billing desk for the most up-to-date information on SHA acceptance at our facility.