New NHIF rates to take effect on October 1

What you need to know:

The new rates will see the contributions of high income earners in the formal sector go up by about 600 per cent from the current Sh320 to a monthly rate of Sh2,000.
Medical Services minister Anyang’ Nyong’o said the move was aimed at expanding the current in-patient NHIF scheme to cover outpatient aspects such as laboratory services, drugs and minor surgery.
Currently, all formal sector employees contribute a monthly flat rate of Sh320 but can only use the cover when ‘admitted’ at accredited NHIF hospitals.

Private sector employees will from October 1 start paying higher National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) rates, as the government prepares to roll out universal health cover for all Kenyans.

The new rates will see the contributions of high income earners in the formal sector go up by about 600 per cent from the current Sh320 to a monthly rate of Sh2,000.

Announcing the revised rates on Friday, Medical Services minister Anyang’ Nyong’o said the move was aimed at expanding the current in-patient NHIF scheme to cover outpatient aspects such as laboratory services, drugs and minor surgery.

The reviewed rates divided into 10 salary bands will see workers earning less than Sh5,999 contribute Sh150 and those receiving a gross pay of more than Sh100,000 contribute Sh2,000. (See table below)

Currently, all formal sector employees contribute a monthly flat rate of Sh320 but can only use the cover when ‘admitted’ at accredited NHIF hospitals.

Civil servants and members of the disciplines services will not be affected as they have a separate enhanced medical scheme that offers unlimited inpatient and outpatient cover.

Revised contribution rates

Gross salary in Ksh	Monthly contribution in Ksh
Less than 5,999	150
6,000 to 7,999	300
8,000 to 11,999	400
12,000 to 14,999	500
15,000 to 19,999	600
20,000 to 24,999	750
25,000 to 29,999	850
30,000 to 49,999	1,000
50,000 to 99,999	1,500
Over 100,000	2,000
Self employed	500
Indigents (voluntary)	300