NAIROBI, Kenya – All teachers and their dependents in Kenya are now eligible for benefits under the Social Health Authority (SHA), following a recent announcement from the government.
This move expands access to healthcare coverage through three key funding schemes: the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHC), the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and the Emergency, Critical & Chronic Illness Fund (ECCIF).
In a statement, the SHA emphasized that teachers, along with their families, can now receive the same benefits as any other Kenyan who is registered and contributing to the SHA’s national health insurance system.
According to recent data, over 21.6 million Kenyans have already registered with SHA, with an additional 50,000 people signing up daily, underscoring the growing demand for accessible health services.
SHA has also significantly expanded its network of healthcare providers, having contracted over 8,000 healthcare facilities across the country to ensure that all beneficiaries have easy access to medical care, whether for routine check-ups or more specialized services.
Employers, such as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), are being encouraged to provide complimentary insurance for their staff through a valid insurance underwriter.
The TSC, however, does not manage the medical cover for its employees; instead, it can assist its members in enrolling in the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund.
This fund allows for additional benefits, which will be determined based on the scheme’s available budget.
The Social Health Authority clarified that it does not manage private health plans, such as those offered by private insurance providers, which may provide different benefits.
However, TSC members can still utilize the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund to enhance their coverage through SHA’s offerings.
This initiative aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, focusing on improving national healthcare access and ensuring that public servants, especially teachers, have access to comprehensive and affordable healthcare services.
