The Ministry of National Treasury & Economic Planning has released a draft bill, the Public Finance Management (Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund) Regulations, 2024, proposing a new health fund tailored to supplement the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) benefits for civil servants. If approved, this fund will replace the existing Comprehensive Medical Insurance Scheme for Civil Servants & Disciplined Services, introduced in 2012, and will be renamed the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund.
Following the Social Health Authority's (SHA) launch on October 1, 2024, the previous scheme was phased out, and public servants transitioned to a unified level of care. Through SHA, all Kenyans now access preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative health services at designated health facilities, regardless of their contributions.
The new draft states, “For civil servants to continue receiving this benefit from the Scheme as part of their remunerations, a Fund is proposed to enable civil servants first to receive the comprehensive range of quality health services from the Social Health Authority and, once this is exhausted, proceed with the limits provided for under the comprehensive medical insurance scheme for civil servants and disciplined services (renamed Public Officers Medical Scheme).”
Under the previous cover, civil servants and disciplined services members enjoyed comprehensive coverage for themselves and up to six dependents, covering a broad range of services, including inpatient and outpatient care, dental and optical services, emergency rescue, overseas treatment, and a life insurance component.
According to the bill, the new fund will be financed through recovered medical benefits and payroll deductions. Contributions will continue for those enrolled in the Public Officers Medical Scheme while simultaneously benefiting from SHA services.
The proposal has entered the public participation phase, with the government inviting input until November 18. Comments can be sent via mail, hand-delivered, or emailed, with in-person consultations planned at a later date.
The SHA aims to provide uniform health services across income levels, but the proposed fund would grant civil servants additional benefits beyond SHA’s offerings. In a recent interview, Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai encouraged Kenyans seeking extra benefits to consider private insurance, stating, “If you are paying more in terms of your income, you should get more benefits. It’s standard. If you like extra, you can pay for another cover like a private cover.”
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Category: News · Related Topic: Social Health Authority (SHA)
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