Enhancing Employee Health & Wellbeing

The New Social Health Program in Kenya and How Unistus Can Help Your Business Stay Compliant

On October 1, 2024, Kenya introduced the Social Health Program (SHA), a groundbreaking initiative to make healthcare more accessible to employees across the country. As a business, staying compliant with this program not only benefits your employees but also ensures smooth operational efficiency. Here’s an in-depth look at the benefits, the registration process for employees, and how Unistus can help simplify your compliance with this essential program.

Why the Social Health Program Matters for Employees and Employers

This program enables employees to access essential healthcare services through structured contributions, offering a sense of security and financial protection in case of health emergencies. By contributing to this program, employers also demonstrate a commitment to employee wellness, which enhances loyalty and reduces turnover.

Key Benefits for Employees

1. Access to Quality Healthcare Services: Employees covered under the Social Health Program (SHA) can access a wide range of healthcare services, including routine check-ups, diagnostic services, outpatient and inpatient care, and even wellness programs.
2. Financial Safeguards: Health issues can lead to unexpected expenses, putting significant financial strain on employees. Through the Social Health Program (SHA), employees gain financial protection by sharing healthcare costs through contributions.
3. Boost in Employee Wellbeing and Productivity: Employees with healthcare support tend to be more focused and motivated, leading to higher productivity and overall job satisfaction.

Step-by-Step Guide for Employee Registration

Here’s an overview of the registration process for individual employees to access the Social Health Program (SHA):

1. Employer Enrollment of Employees

• Once enrolled in the Social Health Program (SHA), employers are responsible for submitting their employee roster to the program’s portal at sha.go.ke.
• This information includes each employee’s identification details, role within the company, and salary information to calculate accurate contribution amounts.

2. Employee Contribution Setup

• Both employers and employees contribute to the Social Health Program (SHA) based on a predetermined rate. Employers deduct the required portion directly from each employee’s salary, match it with an employer contribution, and remit the total to the program.
• Accurate contribution handling ensures that employees remain covered and can access health services seamlessly.

3. Individual Employee Registration on SHA Portal

• After the employer submits the necessary details, employees are prompted to complete their registration on the Social Health Program (SHA)’s portal, which involves verifying personal details and activating their unique account.
• Employees can register directly via the portal’s secure login section, entering their unique employee ID and other identifying information provided by the employer.

4. Receiving a Membership ID

• Upon completing registration, employees are issued a Membership ID, which allows them to access healthcare services across partnered hospitals and clinics. This ID is essential for any healthcare visit as it verifies eligibility for program benefits.

Where Employees Can Access Program Benefits

The Social Health Program (SHA) has partnered with an extensive network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers nationwide. Employees can access program benefits at these facilities, which include:

• Routine Health Check-ups: Employees can visit designated clinics for annual health check-ups, which include screening for common illnesses and preventive health consultations.
• Specialist Consultations: The program covers consultations with specialists, giving employees access to a broader range of medical expertise.
• Outpatient & Inpatient Services: The program provides for both outpatient treatment (consultations, diagnostics, medication) and inpatient services in the event of hospitalization.
• Preventive and Wellness Programs: Access to wellness programs and preventive health services, such as vaccinations and fitness initiatives, encourages employees to lead healthier lives.

By centralizing access to healthcare services, the Social Health Program (SHA) helps reduce the overall burden on employees and fosters a healthier, more productive workforce.

Unistus HR Management and Automation: Your Compliance Solution

Unistus offers a Human Resource Management and Automation solution that is fully compliant with Kenya’s Social Health Program (SHA) requirements. Our system simplifies the entire process of employee registration, contribution management, and compliance tracking, so your business can stay focused on core operations.

Here’s how we make it easy:

1. Automated Contribution Management: Our platform calculates employee contributions, automates payroll deductions, and ensures timely remittance to the Social Health Program.
2. Efficient Employee Onboarding: With our automated onboarding feature, you can seamlessly register new employees into the Social Health Program (SHA), making the process quick and error-free.
3. Real-Time Compliance Tracking: Track and manage contributions and registration statuses for every employee, ensuring that everyone is properly registered and covered under the program.
4. Employee Self-Service Portal: Employees can view their health benefits, track contributions, and access their membership ID directly through our self-service portal, giving them control and transparency over their healthcare benefits.

Partner with Unistus for Seamless Compliance and Employee Wellness

Staying compliant with the new Social Health Program (SHA) doesn’t have to be a complex process. With Unistus, you can ensure that your HR processes are automated, compliant, and focused on the wellbeing of your employees. Let us handle the intricacies of HR management and automation so you can stay ahead and prioritize your team’s health.

Contact Unistus today to learn how we can support your HR and automation needs and help you stay compliant with the latest regulations while empowering your employees to access the healthcare they deserve.