How To Add, Remove Dependents On SHA As Government Announces New Changes

Kenyans now can update their dependents under the Social Health Authority (SHA) cover, including adding or removing spouses and children when necessary.

This was confirmed by SHA officials, who clarified that individuals can modify their beneficiary list in cases of marriage, divorce, or even the unfortunate event of death.

The SHA system is relatively new, having been in place for less than a year, so many Kenyans are still familiarizing themselves with its operations. Questions continue to arise regarding how it functions, especially concerning the flexibility of dependents’ registration.

SHA representatives have assured members that they can make necessary changes, particularly in cases where a registered spouse is no longer part of the contributor’s life due to separation or death. Likewise, if a contributor remarries, they can add their new spouse to the system.

In addition to addressing dependents’ registration concerns, the Ministry of Health has introduced a new Primary Health Care (PHC) financing model.

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Unlike the previous system under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), where payments to health facilities were tied to a patient’s insurance coverage, the new approach ensures that funds are allocated based on the actual number of patients served.

This shift marks a significant move toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by directing resources where they are most needed. It eliminates the previous model’s inefficiencies, where only insured individuals who had paid their premiums in advance could access healthcare services.

By financing health facilities based on the number of patients rather than insurance status, the government aims to ensure that healthcare services are more accessible to all citizens, regardless of their financial situation or insurance coverage history.

Requirements for Updating Dependents

For SHA contributors looking to update their dependents, certain documentation is required to validate the changes. SHA representative Gilbert Osoro explained that while the process is straightforward, members must provide the necessary proof before making amendments.

1. Adding a New Spouse, marriage certificate, and the spouse’s identification card (ID) must be submitted.
2. Removing a Spouse After Divorce, a divorce decree is required to remove an ex-spouse from the SHA scheme.
3. In Case of Death, a death certificate must be presented to update records.
4. Adopted Children, parents or guardians must provide a court order confirming the adoption.
5. Guardianship Cases, legal guardians need to present either a court order or a will indicating their responsibility for the child.
6. A birth certificate or birth notification is required for registration.

Osoro emphasized the importance of proper documentation, explaining that the law mandates proof for all marital unions, adoptions, and other dependent-related changes.

How to Make Changes in the SHA System

Once the required documents are ready, SHA members can update their dependents by logging into the SHA system and uploading the necessary paperwork. Those who are already registered can make amendments directly on the platform, while new members can add dependents at the point of registration.

For new users, the SHA portal includes an option to add dependents such as spouses and children. However, spouses must also be registered independently under SHA since the system is designed based on households.

Osoro highlighted a major challenge facing SHA, many Kenyans fail to log into their accounts after registration to update their details. This leads to cases where patients visit hospitals only to be informed that they are not properly registered in the system.

The SHA urges members to take an active role in maintaining accurate records to avoid disruptions in healthcare access. With the new PHC financing model and a more flexible dependent registration system, the government aims to enhance service delivery and make healthcare more inclusive for all Kenyans.

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