Why you need to register for NHIF ASAP

The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is suggesting tough retributions for Kenyans over the age of 18 who are not yet registered with the insurer.

According to Chief Executive Officer Peter Kamunyo, the NHIF will table the draft legislation before Parliament, adding that they will consider public participation in the process.

“We are now drafting the regulations and some of the issues will be the penalty for those who do not register.

“We will submit them before Parliament as the law demands and then open them to public debate this month,” Kamunyo said.

In September 2021, Members of Parliament (MPs) passed a bill that impels all Kenyans to become members of NHIF and employers to increase the contributions of those who pay less than KSh 500 every month.

The bill also obliges adults to pay KSh 500 monthly or KSh 6,000 per annum to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) outpatient and outpatient services.

Services include childbirth, blood purification, cancer treatment, and surgery

However, the National Government will contribute for vulnerable Kenyans who are unable to make their monthly contributions.

NHIF identifies orphans, widows or widowers, and people with disabilities, as vulnerable people.

NHIF (Amendment) Act 2021 states that an unregistered Kenyan over the age of 18 will be liable to a fine not exceeding KSh 1 million or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.