Sessional Paper No 02 of 2004 on National Social Health Insurance in Kenya

Abstract

The Sessiona1Paper on National Social Health lnsu:rance in Kenya contains the proposed Social health insurance reforms which the government will put in place as from 1st July, 2004 to ensure access to quality healthcare to all Kenyans. The existing healthcare financing arrangements is based on the design that majority of people can afford to pay medical care at the point and time of treatment. This ls not feasible in_ a country where 56% of the population lives below the poverty line. The high level of out-of-pocket financing, which includes cost-sharing sustains and exacerbates poverty among Kenyan households. In view of this widespread poverty 'in the• country, there is need to reduce healthcara burden on houseolds, ensure equity and access, and improve quality of health services. The proposed social health insurance reforms will ensure that every Kenyan pays _small regular contributions to the National Social Health Insurance Fund before illness occurs: When illness occurs, Kenyans will not pay medical care at that time and point of treatment. The National Social Health Insurance Fund will pay all the bills to Health Providers. The benefits package will include out-patient and in-patientcare The Ministry of Health will re-direct the use of resources allocated to it through the regular budget to intensify disease prevention activities, .improve quality of health services in public health facilit1es, build new health facilities and strengthen compliance to health standards by all health providers.