Post: Murang’a government contracts Britam for last expense benefits

Murang'a county has partnered with Britam Insurance Company to provide last expense benefits to needy residents enrolled in the Kang'ata Care health insurance cover.The last expense package was initially being provided by the now defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).Speaking during the official signing of the agreement with Britam, Murang'a Deputy governor, Stephen Munania, said the county was committed to fulfilling the promises they made to the residents and that has necessitated the enlisting of a private insurer to offer the last expense benefits now that the new Social Health Authority (SHA) has no provision for the same.Beginning October 1, 2024 when SHA took over from NHIF, Britam will provide the Kang'ata Care beneficiaries with the last expense benefits in the event of the demise of a principal member, their spouse or dependents.'These last expense benefits were previously covered under NHIF but SHA is not mandated to offer enhanced benefits,' Munania said. ''SHA will cover the treatment of the beneficiaries including inpatient, outpatient, optical and dental services and Britam will only take care of the last expense,' Munania added.He noted that among the changes to the last expense benefits is that they will not benefit members above the age of 75 years.The Deputy Governor also noted that the partnership includes a few additional benefits such as Sh25,000 school fees for secondary school students enlisted as dependents in the event of the demise of their parents.The beneficiaries will also receive a Sh10,000 wedding gift and an equal amount for a new born baby if they present the marriage certificate and the birth certificate respectively.Britam Official Susan Nyambura, said they are committed to providing insurance for all and applauded the county government for insuring people who would otherwise not be insured.She underscored Britam's commitment to going the extra mile saying that is why they included the school fees benefits as well as the wedding and baby gifts .Nyambura said the insurance company is working to improve the scope of the benefits package to include beneficiaries over the age of 75.One of the Kangata Care beneficiaries, Irungu Gathaiya, applauded the county government for providing the last expense cover saying the money came in handy for them when they lost their brother who had a mental illness.'Kang'ata care gave us Sh100, 000 and that money helped us give our brother a decent sendoff and what was left paid school fees for his surviving children,' Irungu said.He applauded the county government for its commitment to the initiative and urged them to include even more beneficiaries.The Kang'ata Care initiative covers over 40,000 needy and vulnerable households across Murang'a county.Source: Kenya News Agency