NHIF makes raft of changes in the schemeThe National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has introduced a series of changes with the aim of curbing cases of defaulting in payments. 

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The changes will affect persons who pay Sh500 monthly. They will wait for six months before they can be allowed to benefit from the maternity services at any of the health facilities in the entire nation. 

Before the elapse of this period, an individual will not be allowed to benefit from the same. 

In a memo issued by NHIF on January 7, the access to the maternity services has been restricted to only the principal members or tier spouses as indicated at the point of registration. 

The changes made by NHIF exempt benefits meant for vulnerable persons in society including persons with disabilities.

The changes were unveiled with the aim of promoting the roll out of sustainable universal health coverage as well as increasing the chances of member retention. 

One is required to make additional payments if he or she wants other persons included in the scheme.

“Additional dependents can be included subject to payment of additional premiums to be communicated after actuarial valuation,” the memo adds.

An individual who defaults for a year is expected to start afresh and can only be eligible to benefit from the scheme after 90 days from the day he or she resumes making payments.