The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) has announced that all cardholders will be allowed to seek outpatient services at any accredited health facility.
NHIF members have previously been required to select a single outpatient centre where the card facilitates their treatment.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NHIF CEO Geoffrey Mwangi announced that patients can now access medical treatment in any of the 2,000 facilities on the scheme, including high-end centres such as the Aga Khan Hospital.
[caption caption="NHIF CEO Geoffrey Mwangi"]
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"I have come across several complains where a beneficiary travelled and became ill and he/she cannot be treated because they did not choose the nearby facilities," Mr Mwangi explained.
Beginning November, the NHIF card will be able to fully cater for the services provided during a visit without the contributor having to dip into his pocket. So long as the services administered fall under the provisions of the insurance package.
"In line with these changes, members will no longer co-pay as was the case previously and will continue enjoying the same benefits package.
"Capping has to be there to ensure sustainability as it helps in reducing wastage or unnecessary visits. Limits are pegged to the contributions made," the CEO clarified.
Presently, NHIF contributors who are formally employed are deducted between Sh150 and Sh1,700 monthly depending on their income while those who are self-employed contribute Sh500.
In October, the government health insurer accredited 204 additional public, private and faith-based healthcare providers to the scheme.
NHIF also introduced 18 facilities that can now cover eye, radiology, dental and laboratory services.
[caption caption="File image of the entrance to the Kenyatta National Hospital A&E Centre"]
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"We are geared towards providing more services and the more the hospitals, the more the access to quality healthcare," Mr Mwangi assured.
