Changing your outpatient hospital under NHIF is a straightforward process, but the change doesn’t take effect immediately. Depending on the timing of your request, the change becomes active either on January 1st or July 1st. For example, if you switch hospitals in June, the new facility will be available starting in July. If you change between July and December, the new hospital will become active in January of the following year. This delay means it can take between one to six months for your new selection to become usable.
While these timelines currently apply under the NHIF system, it’s important to be aware of potential changes in procedures with the transition to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). During this transition, some processes may be adjusted, so it’s essential to stay informed.
Additionally, once your outpatient hospital has been changed, NHIF will no longer cover outpatient services at the previous facility. However, you will still have access to inpatient services at any hospital within the NHIF network.
Useful Information:
You can easily change your NHIF outpatient hospital using the NHIF self-care portal or via the Safaricom USSD code *155#. It’s a simple process, but it’s important to plan ahead due to the waiting period for changes to take effect.
Conclusion:
Changing your outpatient hospital is a beneficial option if your healthcare needs evolve, but it’s important to understand the timing involved. Whether it’s July or January, be sure to initiate the change well before you need to use the new facility. Staying informed about upcoming changes, especially with the transition to SHIF, will help you navigate the system smoothly.
