Kenya is a lower-middle-income country with a mixed economy characterized by a mix of agricultural, industrial, and service sectors. However, income disparities exist, and a significant portion of the population still lives below the poverty line.

Affordability of Medical Care;

The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) plays a crucial role in healthcare affordability in Kenya. NHIF is a government-run health insurance scheme aimed at providing affordable healthcare coverage to Kenyan citizens.

A correlation of the affordability of medical care in public, private, and faith-based medical centers with NHIF’s impact on healthcare accessibility:

• Public Medical Centers:

NHIF Coverage: NHIF offers coverage for medical services in public medical centers. This means that NHIF members can access a range of healthcare services, including consultations, tests, medications, and surgeries, at public facilities with reduced out-of-pocket expenses. This makes healthcare more affordable for NHIF beneficiaries who seek services in public medical centers.

• Private Medical Centers:

NHIF Coverage: While NHIF provides coverage for medical services in private medical centers, it may not fully cover the higher costs associated with private facilities. As a result, patients seeking specialized care or treatments in private centers may still incur some out-of-pocket expenses, especially if the costs exceed NHIF’s coverage limits.

Affordability Challenges: Affordability remains a challenge for many Kenyans seeking medical care in private centers. The higher fees charged by private facilities may limit access to healthcare for individuals who cannot afford the additional costs, even with NHIF coverage.

• Faith-Based Medical Centers:

NHIF Coverage: NHIF also extends its coverage to services provided in faith-based medical centers. This means that NHIF members can benefit from reduced costs for medical care in these centers, making healthcare services more affordable for beneficiaries.

• Accessibility for Vulnerable Populations: Faith-based medical centers often serve vulnerable and underserved populations. By extending NHIF coverage to these facilities, NHIF helps enhance healthcare accessibility for those who may not have been able to afford medical care otherwise.