Kenyans set to pay more for medical cover
Kenyans follow proceedings during celebrations to mark Labour Day at Uhuru Park , Nairobi. Employees should be prepared to pay more for medical insurance after a court opened the door for the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to increase workers' monthly contributions March 28, 2012. FILE
Kenyans should be prepared to pay more for medical insurance after a court opened the door for the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to increase workers' monthly contributions.
On Wednesday, the Industrial Court dismissed a case filed by the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) seeking to block the new rates.
In its suit, Cotu argued that an increase in the rates was a taxation imposed on NHIF members without their approval and ought to be quashed.
Cotu further argued that the NHIF move was made without the workers’ consent and imposing the new rates amounted to a violation of the Constitution.
Already, a legal notice has been published by NHIF announcing the revised subscription rates.
In the new rates, members with a gross income of less than Sh5,000 are required to contribute Sh150 per month.
Those earning between Sh6,000 and Sh8,000 to contribute Sh300 while those with an income of between Sh8,000 to Sh12,000 to pay Sh400.
Kenyans whose pay is between Sh50,000 and Sh100,000 are expected to fork out Sh1,500 and those earning more than Sh100,000 are to contribute Sh2,000 a month.
Self-employed members are required to contribute Sh500.
