SHA Premium Reduction Assistance: Appeal Your Contribution
If your SHA premium is higher than you can afford, you may be able to ask SHA to review it. This guide sets out how SHA premium reduction assistance works, how to check which appeal route your account can use, and what to do while your review is pending.
First, check that your SHA means testing is complete on Afya Yangu. Then look for the appeal option on Afya Yangu, or on *147# if your phone menu shows it. SHA decides the outcome. To ask whether your amount is eligible for an appeal, call 0800 720 601 or 147.
How SHA premium reduction assistance works
SHA sets contributions in two different ways, and which one applies to you decides whether a SHA premium appeal is the right step.
Formally employed members contribute a percentage of gross salary through payroll deductions, so an appeal usually does not apply. If your payslip deduction looks wrong, ask your employer to check what was remitted.
Informal and self-employed members are assessed through SHA means testing, which looks at income and ability to pay. You can also read how the amount is worked out in understanding your SHA premium assessment. This is the group where a SHA premium reduction review is usually possible.
Which step of SHA premium reduction assistance applies to you
| Your situation | Start here |
|---|---|
| Deducted through payroll | Ask your employer to confirm the remittance. An appeal usually does not apply. |
| Self-employed or informal, means test not done | Complete the self-assessment on Afya Yangu first. You need it before you can appeal. Check your SHA registration status if you are unsure your account is active. |
| Means test done, amount too high | Follow the SHA premium appeal steps below. |
| Income dropped or household changed | Update your details truthfully, then appeal. |
| Cannot afford even the instalments | Ask SHA about indigent status. Check SHA eligibility for the options that apply to you. Free basic care is available at Levels 1 to 3 public and mission facilities through the Primary Health Fund. |
Step-by-step SHA premium reduction assistance
Check your means test
Log in to Afya Yangu and confirm that your self-assessment is complete and shows the amount assigned to you. Write that amount down. You will need it for every step that follows.
Find the appeal option
On Afya Yangu, look for an appeal means testing tab. If your account does not show it, dial *147# and look for a contributions appeal option. Use whichever route your account actually shows.
Enter honest details
Give your real household size, income and employment situation. SHA can verify these details, and false answers can cause problems with your cover.
Suggest what you can afford
The appeal asks for the amount you can pay each month. Work it out from your actual budget, not from the lowest figure you would like.
Keep your confirmation
Save the reference number or take a screenshot of the confirmation screen, with the date. This is your proof if the appeal is delayed or lost.
Follow up if there is no outcome
Call 0800 720 601 or 147 with your reference number. Ask for the status of your SHA premium appeal, and ask whether your assessed amount qualifies for review. If the wait drags on, read SHA appeal taking too long.
SHA premium reduction assistance: how often you can appeal
SHA sets the rules for SHA premium reduction appeals, and they can change. Callers have been told that appeals are generally limited to once a year, and that eligibility has depended on the amount assessed. Eligibility thresholds have changed before, so do not rely on an old figure.
What to pay during SHA premium reduction assistance
Ask SHA directly what you should pay while your appeal is being reviewed. If you want to see what the rates look like, see SHA monthly contribution rates and SHA minimum contribution. Some guidance suggests paying one month at the amount you said you could afford, but confirm this before you pay. Keep a receipt for every payment, because missed payments can affect your cover.
Lipa SHA Pole Pole and SHA premium reduction assistance
Lipa SHA Pole Pole spreads your contributions over smaller, regular payments. Before you enrol, confirm three things with SHA: the rule for paying the first four months, whether any interest or fees apply, and whether you need Hustler Fund registration.
Free or paid SHA premium reduction assistance
The official appeal route does not charge a fee, so be cautious of anyone who offers a guaranteed result for money. Check anything a helper tells you against SHA’s own channels.
MyCyber helps you prepare your records and understand each step of the SHA premium appeal. We do not act for SHA, and we cannot guarantee the outcome, because SHA makes the decision.
Want help preparing your SHA means testing appeal?
Send us your current SHA amount and the records you have. We will explain which steps apply to your situation and what to prepare.
Chat with us on WhatsAppSHA premium reduction assistance: frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to appeal my SHA premium?
The official appeal route does not charge a fee. Confirm this with SHA before you pay anyone.
Does an appeal lower my amount automatically?
No. Submitting an appeal does not change your amount by itself. SHA reviews your details and decides the outcome.
What if my amount does not qualify for an appeal?
Ask SHA about other options, such as Lipa SHA Pole Pole, or whether you qualify for indigent support.
Can I appeal more than once?
Appeals are generally limited. Ask SHA how often you can appeal before you submit another request.
Where do I check my SHA amount?
Your amount is shown after your means test on Afya Yangu, and you can also check it on *147# where that option is available to you.
Related SHA premium reduction assistance guides
Sources for SHA premium reduction assistance
- Social Health Authority, sha.go.ke, for current rules, thresholds and appeal routes.
- Afya Yangu portal, afyayangu.go.ke, for your means test and appeal options.
- SHA toll-free line 0800 720 601 and 24-hour line 147, for eligibility questions.
Disclaimer: MyCyber is an independent digital assistance service, not affiliated with SHA or any government body. This page explains the process and is not legal or financial advice. SHA makes all decisions on contributions and appeals. Confirm current rules and contacts on sha.go.ke or by calling 0800 720 601, since details can change.
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