The government is urging employers across all sectors to register their workers under the newly implemented Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme. The SHA, which was rolled out on October 1st, is set to revolutionize healthcare delivery in the country by ensuring that employees, both in the public and private sectors, have access to quality health services. However, for the scheme to reach its full potential, employers must declare their employees on the official platform to ensure their eligibility.
The Importance of Compliance
Harry Kimtai, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services, underscored the importance of employer compliance while addressing Human Resource professionals during a recent training session. Kimtai noted that although the SHA program is rapidly gaining momentum, there is still a significant gap in employee registrations. He revealed that, to date, only 120,620 employees have been declared by 15,588 employers.
This number, while promising, is a small fraction of Kenya’s working population. Kimtai emphasized that it is imperative for Human Resource practitioners to ensure that all employees are properly declared on the SHA platform. Failure to do so could leave employees without access to critical healthcare services, even if they have self-registered.
“Human Resource practitioners must declare their employees on the employers’ portal to guarantee their eligibility under SHA. Employees who are not declared, even if self-registered, will not be able to access services,” said Kimtai during the event.
The SHA Rollout and Its Significance
The Social Health Authority (SHA) is part of the broader healthcare reform efforts in Kenya, which aim to provide accessible and affordable healthcare for all citizens. Under the SHA, both employers and employees are expected to contribute to the scheme, which will, in turn, offer a range of healthcare services through contracted providers.
The program is designed to alleviate the financial burden on individuals seeking medical care, particularly for common conditions and preventive services. For employees, this means they can access healthcare services without worrying about exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, thus improving the overall health and productivity of the workforce.
As of now, over 12.7 million Kenyans have registered under the SHA, and 1,442 healthcare providers have been contracted to deliver services to these registered members. This shows the growing confidence in the system, but it also highlights the critical role of employers in bridging the gap between registration and actual healthcare access.
Why Employers Must Act Now
One of the key issues that Kimtai brought to the fore during his speech is the disconnect between employee self-registration and employer declaration. Even if an employee has gone through the process of registering under the SHA scheme, they will not be able to access healthcare services if their employer has not declared them on the SHA portal. This is a crucial aspect of the scheme that many employers may not be aware of, and it could lead to unintended consequences for their workforce.
Employers, particularly in the private sector, are now being called upon to take immediate action. The SHA system requires that employers declare their employees through an official portal, which not only verifies the employee’s registration but also ensures that they are eligible to access the full range of services under the scheme. This process involves submitting the necessary documentation, including employment records and salary details, to facilitate the smooth running of the healthcare program.
By failing to declare their workers, employers risk leaving their employees without healthcare coverage, which could affect their well-being and productivity. In the long run, non-compliance could also attract penalties and other legal consequences, especially for companies operating in sectors where employee welfare is regulated by law.
How Employers Can Register Employees
Registering employees under the SHA is a straightforward process that can be completed through an online portal. Human Resource departments play a central role in this process, and it is their responsibility to ensure that all necessary information is accurately submitted.
To begin the process, HR practitioners should:
- Access the Employers’ Portal: The first step involves logging into the SHA employer portal, which is accessible through the official SHA website. This portal is designed to allow employers to manage employee declarations and contributions efficiently.
- Submit Employee Details: Once logged in, employers are required to submit the relevant details for each employee, including their identification number, employment status, and salary information. This information is used to verify eligibility and calculate the contributions that both the employer and employee must make towards the scheme.
- Monitor Status: After submitting the details, employers can track the status of each employee’s registration to ensure that they are successfully enrolled in the SHA system. The portal also allows employers to update employee records, for instance, in cases of promotion, salary changes, or termination of employment.
- Ensure Continuous Compliance: HR departments must continually update their employee records on the SHA portal, particularly when new employees are hired or when employees leave the company. Keeping accurate and up-to-date records is essential to ensure that all employees remain eligible for healthcare services.
Benefits of the SHA Scheme for Employers
Although the responsibility for registering employees falls on employers, the benefits of the SHA scheme extend to them as well. A healthy workforce is a productive workforce, and by ensuring that their employees are enrolled in the scheme, employers are investing in the long-term health and well-being of their staff.
Access to affordable healthcare can reduce absenteeism due to illness and ensure that employees receive timely medical attention, which can prevent minor health issues from escalating into serious conditions. This not only improves the morale of employees but also enhances their overall productivity.
Moreover, by complying with the SHA scheme, employers can avoid potential legal issues that may arise from failing to provide adequate healthcare coverage to their employees. With the government taking a firm stance on employer compliance, companies that neglect this responsibility may face fines, penalties, or other regulatory actions.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite the clear benefits of the SHA scheme, challenges remain. One of the primary challenges is the lack of awareness among employers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Many SMEs may not have the resources or knowledge to navigate the registration process, which could lead to delays in compliance.
Additionally, the process of declaring employees may be time-consuming for larger organizations with thousands of workers, requiring dedicated personnel to manage the process. The government, through the State Department for Medical Services, may need to provide additional support and resources to help employers, especially those in the informal sector, comply with the new regulations.
Another challenge is ensuring that the healthcare providers contracted under the SHA scheme are adequately equipped to handle the increased demand for services. As more employees are declared and become eligible for healthcare, the healthcare infrastructure must be prepared to deliver timely and quality services to all registered members.
Conclusion
The SHA scheme represents a significant step forward in Kenya’s healthcare system, and employer compliance is key to its success. With over 12.7 million Kenyans already registered and a growing network of healthcare providers, the foundation for universal healthcare is being laid. However, employers must act swiftly to declare their employees and ensure they can access the benefits of the scheme.
By doing so, they not only fulfill their legal obligations but also contribute to the health and well-being of their workforce, ultimately enhancing productivity and reducing the burden of illness in the workplace. As the rollout of the SHA continues, the government’s call to employers is clear: register your employees now, and secure their access to healthcare services.
