NEW changes in NHIF to affect civil servants and teachers
National Hospital Insurance Funds to bring changes that are likely to affect all teachers and civil servants. The changes are to be discussed first by the parliament before they are effected.
All Kenyans both civil servants and unemployed youths are going to be largely affected by some of these proposed changes. All eyes now are on the members of the parliament to see whether they will pass the proposed amendments on the National Hospital Insurance Fund 2021 amendmendments.
These proposals include;
Employers to top up contributions made by employs
This will be a good move considering that the proposal will not burden the employees with another financial implication. According to this proposal if an employee contributes twelve thousand shillings per month for the insurance cover the employer will contribute or top up the amount with an equivalent figure.
Cost of medical procedures lowered
The cost for some medical procedures that were initially gathered for by the insurance cover will be cut down. This implies that an individual must meet the cost by paying cash. The most affected individuals are those with chronic diseases like kidney disorders, cancer among others.
Initially, the National Hospital Insurance Fund was covering up to nine thousand, five hundred shillings (9500) for kidney dialysis but as per the proposed changes, this figure will be cut down to six thousand shillings (6000) only. Extra three thousand five hundred shillings will be met by the contributor.
Those on chemotherapy and radiotherapy will be affected as well. They will dip into their pockets to meet the extra cost.
Compulsory or mandatory contribution
If the proposal is passed by the members of parliament and henceforth adopted all Kenyans above eighteen (18) years of age will be mandated to contribute five hundred shillings on monthly basis to the National Hospital Insurance Fund.
The waiting period increased to six months
After registering for NHIF cover, you wait for three good months before using or enjoying the benefit of the insurance fund. However, according to the new changes proposed by NHIF this period will be increased to six months. It, therefore, means that if you register today you will begin the payments but you will start benefiting as from next year march.
The proposed changes will affect us both positively and negatively. All of us are now looking at the members of parliament to see whether they will adopt the proposal and pass it the way it is or they will make amends where necessary.
