NHIF (National Hospital Insurance Fund) payments can be conveniently made via M-Pesa, which is a popular mobile money transfer service widely used in Kenya. This payment method offers a hassle-free option for individuals to maintain their membership contributions without the need for physical banking facilities, thus aligning with the digitization of financial services. Understanding how to complete this process effectively ensures that individuals remain eligible for medical insurance benefits provided by NHIF.
To start with, every NHIF member needs to have their NHIF number, which is crucial as it serves as the account number when making contributions via M-Pesa. This number is provided by NHIF once registration is complete and must be accurately used to avoid payments being posted to the wrong account. The payment process via M-Pesa is integrated into the Safaricom mobile service network, utilizing the Paybill option which facilitates bill payments directly from a subscriber’s M-Pesa wallet to the recipient account, in this case, NHIF.
The specific steps to follow when making an NHIF payment via M-Pesa begin by accessing the M-Pesa menu on a Safaricom registered mobile phone. From the menu, one would select the ‘Lipa na M-Pesa’ option, which translates to ‘Pay with M-Pesa.’ Following this selection, the user must choose the ‘Pay Bill’ option. This option is specifically designed for the payment of bills and services, distinguishing it from sending money to individuals.
After selecting the ‘Pay Bill’ option, the system prompts for the business number. NHIF’s official Paybill number, which is 200222, must be entered here. It’s crucial to enter this number correctly to ensure that the payment reaches NHIF without any issues. Once the Paybill number has been entered, the user will be asked to enter the account number. Here, the NHIF number of the member making the payment should be input. This number is specific to the individual’s record with NHIF and ensures that the payment is credited to the correct account.
Following the entry of the NHIF number, the next step involves keying in the amount of money to be sent. This amount should correspond to the monthly premium due by the member. It’s important to be aware of the current rates, which may vary depending on whether one is a voluntary member, self-employed, or in formal employment. The NHIF periodically revises these rates, so staying informed through their official communication channels is advisable to ensure the correct amount is paid.
After confirming the amount, the system will then ask for the M-Pesa PIN. This is a security feature that protects the user’s financial information and account from unauthorized access. Once the PIN is entered, a screen to verify all details before final submission is usually displayed. This is a critical step as it allows the user to confirm that all details entered are correct, including the Paybill number, account number (NHIF number), and the amount. If there is any error, it should be corrected before proceeding.
Upon confirming that all the details are correct, the user then sends the money. Confirmation messages from both M-Pesa and NHIF should follow shortly after. The M-Pesa confirmation message will confirm the amount of money sent and the account to which it was sent. It is essential to keep this message as proof of payment until NHIF updates their records, which might take up to 48 hours. NHIF also sends an acknowledgment message, confirming receipt of the payment.
It’s also possible to check NHIF account status after making payments to ensure that the funds have been properly credited. This can be done via the NHIF website, their customer care lines, or by using USSD codes provided by NHIF for checking account status directly from a mobile phone.
Making regular NHIF payments is crucial for maintaining one’s membership active, ensuring that in times of medical need, the insurance fund can cover or subsidize the cost of medical services. For employed persons, these payments are typically deducted directly from their salaries by their employers, but for self-employed and voluntary members, using M-Pesa provides a straightforward, accessible means to keep up with contributions.
The integration of mobile payment platforms such as M-Pesa with NHIF’s payment system represents a significant advancement in increasing accessibility and ease of making insurance contributions. By following the described steps, NHIF members can ensure they remain compliant with their contributions, securing their eligibility for medical insurance coverage. This method not only simplifies the payment process but also enhances the efficiency of the service delivery of NHIF, promoting better healthcare coverage across Kenya.