Monthly contributions to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) for informal workers will now be reduced from the initial Ksh500 to Ksh300.
This is part of the proposed changes to the NHIF Amendment Bill 2021 that seeks to make the amount affordable to low-income earners.
Initially, informal workers remitted Ksh350 which increased to Ksh500 in a bid to boost the monthly collections.
"The proposed amendment is intended to ensure that many Kenyans particularly persons who are in the informal sector, those not working and indigents can afford to pay the NHIF contribution by reducing the rate from the current Ksh500 per month to Ksh300," read part of the proposed changes to the bill.
Currently, NHIF is banking on compulsory membership for all Kenyans in order to increase their annual collections.
This is in a bid to achieve the Universal Health Coverage (UHC)- initiated by the government as part of the Big Four Agenda.
Recently, NHIF CEO Peter Kamunyo pointed out that more than half of members' accounts had been declared dormant after their owners failed to continue funding them.
He added that most Kenyans opted to remit the monthly NHIF pay only when it suited them.
"The majority who have remained active have a history of chronic illnesses, and the insurance is a relief for them.
"The ones who stay are those on chronic treatment such as dialysis. They pay Ksh6,000 for the family and get up to Ksh935,000 every year," Kamunyo stated.
The majority of Kenyans, especially those who earn a low income, lack medical insurance hence resort to paying hospital bills out of their pockets.
This leaves families in dire financial constraints due to high treatment costs.
