Lilian Nyiva
The government has released KSh4 billion to begin settling verified outstanding claims owed to healthcare facilities by the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), marking a significant step in addressing long-standing payment arrears within Kenya's healthcare sector.
The announcement was made by the Social Health Authority (SHA), which said the funds will be disbursed after healthcare providers complete a nationwide sign-off exercise aimed at confirming verified claims.
The sign-off process is expected to ensure that only validated claims are paid, promoting transparency and accountability in the settlement of NHIF debts following the transition to the Social Health Authority.
Relief for Healthcare Providers
Many public, private and faith-based healthcare facilities have faced financial strain due to delayed reimbursement of services offered under the former NHIF system. The settlement of verified claims is expected to improve cash flow for healthcare providers and support the continued delivery of medical services.
The KSh4 billion allocation forms part of the government's efforts to clear outstanding obligations inherited from NHIF after the implementation of the new Social Health Insurance framework.
SHA Oversees Verification Process
SHA said healthcare facilities across the country will participate in the sign-off exercise before payments are processed. The authority emphasized that the exercise is intended to verify the accuracy of claims and ensure that payments are made only for approved amounts.
The authority urged all affected healthcare providers to cooperate with the verification process to facilitate timely disbursement of the funds.
Transition to the New Health Financing System
The settlement of outstanding NHIF claims comes as Kenya continues implementing reforms under the Social Health Authority, which replaced NHIF as part of the country's universal health coverage agenda.
The government maintains that clearing verified historical claims will help strengthen confidence in the new health financing system while ensuring healthcare facilities receive payments for services already rendered.
The release of the KSh4 billion is expected to be the first phase of settling verified NHIF arrears, with payments to commence after the nationwide verification and sign-off exercise is completed.
