The county government of Murang’a has commenced the exercise of conducting mean testing for beneficiaries of a local health cover scheme dubbed Kang’ata Care.
In a public notice, the devolved administration underscores the exercise saying its essential as it will determine premiums the county government will pay for the beneficiaries in the recently transitioned Social Health Authority (SHA).
The beneficiaries are required to meet with SHA and County clerks at designated local health facilities to provide income information that will help categorize their income levels.
According to the public notice released on Friday, this information will determine the premium amount covered by the County, ensuring uninterrupted access to SHA services in health facilities within Murang’a and beyond.
The Kang’ata care which was established early 2023, was a scheme provided to more than 40, 000 less fortunate residents by the county government and the NHIF.
The mean testing is taking place at health facilities across the county on scheduled dates up to November 28th; with each sub-county and ward hosting sessions at local dispensaries and health centers,” read part of the notice.
The Governor Irungu Kang’ata’s administration cautioned that failure to attend the mean testing will result in the affected individuals being dropped from the health scheme programme in 2025.
“Beneficiaries are, therefore, urged to ensure they participate in the scheduled sessions within their respective sub-counties and wards. Beneficiaries should also bring along their dependents, as family information is crucial to determining the appropriate premium level.” The county government stated in the notice.
The beneficiaries and their Spouses are also asked to provide their mobile phone numbers for communication purposes and for dependents under the age of 18, or under 25 if they are in colleges, beneficiaries should provide birth certificates or official documentation from the children’s office for those who are orphans.
In addition to mean testing, the County government indicated it will use this exercise to enroll members in a last expense benefit programme.
Beneficiaries under 75 years of age are slated to receive Sh.100,000 in last expense cover under the Kang’ata care.
“This programme also offers financial support such as a Sh.10,000 birth gift, another Sh.10,000 marriage gift, and Sh. 25,000 toward secondary school fees for a schooling going child if a principal member passes away.
“These additional benefits underscore the County’s commitment to supporting families beyond healthcare.” The notice further indicated.
The devolved administration explained that by completing the mean testing process, beneficiaries will secure their health coverage for year 2025 while benefiting from the expanded support offered under Kang’ata Care.
By Bernard Munyao
