Kenya’s Healthcare cost overruns inflation, as insurers warn of impending burden

Sammy Muthui, Minet Kenya Chief Executive (right) officer explains a point on increasing healthcare cost at an Employer Seminar organized by the firm to sensitize the market on the increasing cost medical of insurance as a result of rise in Non-communicable diseases. With him is  Patricia Kiwanuka Managing Director and Founder, Revenue Stream Limited.

Rising incidences of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is putting pressure on healthcare cost, prompting insurance providers to warn of an impending burden. 

Speaking at a workshop organized by Minet Kenya for human resource practitioners at a Nairobi hotel, Minet Kenya Chief Executive officer Sammy Muthui said several factors, including the increasing incidences of NDCs, have conspired to drive healthcare costs past the country’s inflation rate.

“While the medical insurance industry recorded a growth of 0.65% in gross premiums, claims incurred over the same period increased by 12%,” said Mr. Muthui.

Mr. Muthui noted that Company’s internal analysis revealed that, several hospitals increased their costs, twice as high, in 2017 compared to 2016.

“This greatly affects claims give that premiums are fixed at the beginning of the year while on the other hand hospitals increase their costs midway depending on their administrative and other market dynamics,” Muthui said.

Rising Burden

Lifestyle-related health risks are all among the top five factors expected to drive future claims, as cardiovascular, cancer, respiratory and diabetes top the list, accounting for 82 percent of all NCD deaths.

According to the World Health Organization, of the 38 million people (about 70 percent of all deaths around the globe) who die from NCD’s in the world each year, 75 percent of which come from low and middle income countries.

In Kenya, Non-communicable diseases are still responsible for over 55 per cent of deaths and further account for more than 50 per cent of hospital admissions, according to the Ministry of Health.

“No discussion about the future of medical costs can be had without focusing on the rapid spread of non-communicable diseases in the country. This is why we are continually exploring patterns and trends to continue sharing our discoveries on how stakeholders in the health cover and insurance industries can provide the best solutions for employers and employees against the backdrop of growing critical illnesses and a slowed down economy,” Mr. Muthui said.

With non-communicable diseases increasingly affecting the working age population, the cost of health care is increasingly a concern for employers, who risk losing productivity to sick leave and health-related underperformance more than ever before.

“Employers can play a key role through their medical plans and through the implementation of wellness and prevention programs. In fact, most employers are already proactively sponsoring various types of preventative health care programs.” He said.