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Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, killing around 1.5 million people each year. In recognition of the ongoing global health threat posed by TB, World TB Day is observed on March 24th each year, while the entire month of March is designated as TB Awareness Month.

TB Awareness Month
The purpose of TB Awareness Month is to raise awareness of the disease and its impact on global health, as well as to promote early detection and treatment. It is a preventable and curable disease, but early diagnosis and treatment are essential to minimise the spread of the disease and prevent serious complications and death.

Understanding TB
There are two main forms of TB, namely latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB disease. LTBI occurs when a person is infected with the TB bacterium, but the immune system is able to keep the bacteria under control and prevent it from causing disease. Active TB disease occurs when the TB bacterium begins to multiply and causes symptoms, such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. If left untreated, active TB disease can lead to serious complications and death. In order to diagnose TB, a healthcare provider will typically perform a thorough physical examination, take a detailed medical history, and order tests such as a chest X-ray, sputum culture, or a skin test known as the TB skin test. If TB is diagnosed, treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics taken over several months, which
must be taken as directed in order to be effective. One of the challenges in preventing and controlling the spread of TB is that many people with the disease do not know they are infected. In many cases, the symptoms of TB are mild and may be mistaken for those of a common
cold or flu. This is why early detection and treatment are so important in controlling the spread of TB. Another challenge in the fight against TB is that the bacterium that causes the disease is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is a form of TB that is resistant to at least two of the most powerful antibiotics used to treat the disease.

How can we control the spread of TB?
In order to control the spread of TB and minimise the impact of the disease on global health, it is important for everyone to be aware of the symptoms of TB and to seek medical attention if they suspect they may have the disease. People who are at higher risk of TB, such as those with weakened immune systems, people who live in areas with high rates of TB, and people who have close contact with someone with active TB disease, should be particularly vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of TB. In addition to seeking medical attention if you suspect you have TB, there are other steps you can take to prevent the spread of the disease. For example, practicing good hygiene can help to reduce the risk of infection. If you are diagnosed with TB, it is also important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for treatment and to avoid spreading the disease to others by staying home from work or school until your healthcare provider tells you it is safe to return.

Having medical aid is especially important for individuals with tuberculosis (TB) or those who might be at risk of getting it. Medical aid can provide access to the medical services and resources needed for the effective management of TB, including diagnostic tests, medication, and hospitalisation if necessary. Additionally, medical aid can also help to cover the cost of TB treatment, which can be expensive, especially for individuals with multidrug-resistant TB. Having medical aid can alleviate the financial burden of TB treatment and ensure that individuals have access to the care they need to manage their health effectively. If you would like to find a medical aid that suits your needs and wants, visit www.MedicalAid.co.za. MedicalAid.co.za is South Africa’s best medical aid scheme comparison website.

In conclusion
TB Awareness Month serves as a crucial opportunity to raise awareness about tuberculosis and its impact on global health. During this month, it is important for everyone to educate themselves about the symptoms of TB and to seek medical attention if they suspect they may have the disease. The ongoing efforts to raise awareness and improve early detection and treatment of TB will help to reduce the impact of this disease on global health and ensure a brighter future for all.

The week of February 13 through 16 is designated as Pregnancy Awareness Week. Reducing the number of pregnancy-related deaths or complications, for the mother and child, is the main goal of Pregnancy Awareness Week. The day accomplishes this by enhancing prenatal education and emphasising crucial concerns that support a healthy pregnancy and safe parenthood. One key point is highlighting the fact that having a medical aid during pregnancy is important for protecting both the mother and the baby. Let’s find out more.

Having medical aid during pregnancy

Medical care during pregnancy can help ensure that any potential health issues are identified and treated early, which can help prevent complications and ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth. Medical care during pregnancy includes regular pre-natal check-ups, which can help detect any potential issues such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. Prenatal check-ups also provide an opportunity for the mother to receive vaccinations and for the baby’s growth and development to be monitored.

Additionally, medical aid also provides benefits for maternal and new-born care after delivery, which can cover expenses such as hospitalisation, medical tests, and the cost of delivery. This can help reduce the financial burden that pregnancy and birth can place on a family.

When should you purchase a medical aid product if you’re planning for pregnancy?

You should join a medical aid at least 12 months before falling pregnant because pregnancy is categorised as a pre-existing condition. You are insured if you were a member of a medical aid for 12 months before becoming pregnant, otherwise, scans, OBGYN visits, and childbirth-related expenses are not entirely covered. Unfortunately, many new mothers who didn’t purchase a medical aid product quickly enough either didn’t anticipate becoming pregnant so quickly or were unaware of the exclusion.

According to the Medical Schemes Act, medical aid programs may impose general waiting periods of three months and/or condition-specific waiting periods of 12 months for any pre-existing medical conditions. The Act specifically allows for the introduction of waiting periods to safeguard the current medical scheme from “selective abuse”. Selective abuse is characterised by a desire to purchase a medical aid product only after learning that you require medical assistance for a particular condition, such as a disease or, in this case, pregnancy.

The bottom line

Overall, having a medical aid during pregnancy is essential in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and birth for both the mother and the baby. If you are planning on growing your family, you should use www.medicalaid.co.za to find the perfect medical aid product for you. www.medicalaid.co.za is the country’s best medical aid scheme comparison tool to help you find the medical aid scheme that suits your needs, wants, and budget.

The vaccine has been a hot topic throughout the world and has been the source of much contention in South Africa. South Africans have questions about the state of the vaccine currently, how it will roll out and what the process is to register for it.

Where are we at with the vaccine in South Africa?

The government aims to vaccinate 41 million people. With the COVID 19 vaccines being rolled out currently, South Africans have learned that just because they are medical aid members does not mean they will be given priority in the queue all the while the line between the public and private healthcare systems is being blurred. This is leaving many South Africans wondering.

Ron Welan, Chief Commercial officer at Discovery Health, says medical schemes will be working alongside the government to ensure a smooth rollout of the vaccine. He states that:

“This is a national effort. It’s not the private sector on one side, and the public sector on the other side. We’re all as South Africans going to be in the same queue in terms of vaccinations. And there’s a simple reason for that because we need to drive towards population level immunity. None of us are safe until we’re all safe.”

He further stated:

“There’s no real differentiation between public and private, no real differentiation between medical aid and non-medical aid, in so far as the prioritisation and access of vaccinations. There are obviously differences in terms of the funding, but the actual prioritisation and access is the same.”

How will the vaccine roll out?

According to the Department of Health the COVID 19 vaccine Rollout Strategy will be implemented in three phases. Frontline healthcare workers will be given priority then other essential workers and high-risk groups will be vaccinated followed by the rest of the population.

Welan added:

“We think [the rollout plan] is a very logical decision. Our elderly population are most at risk of COVID 19. If you’re over the age of 70, you’ve got a 50-60% chance of being admitted to hospital, and we certainly see the higher mortality rates in those age groups. So, there is a very clear, clinical criteria and rationale for vaccinating the elderly first.”

Listen to the full interview here.

How do I register for the vaccine?

Less than a quarter of the population have registered for the vaccine as of April 16^th. The Department of Health has therefore made it even easier to register. While the vaccinations are not open to the general public yet the registration process remains the same. Individuals can register for the vaccine via the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) self-registration portal which can be accessed here.

The South African Department of Health urges South Africans to be patient stating:

• Vaccination is voluntary.
• Everyone who has registered for the vaccine will be offered the vaccination.
• When it is your turn the date, time and place of your vaccination will be received via SMS.

As quoted from the South African Department of Health you need the following:

1. Access to the internet on any device (cellphone, laptop, tablet, desktop etc.).
2. Your ID number or Passport (non-RSA) and general contact information (your cell phone number will be used as the primary mode of communication).
3. Information about your employment (primary employer and location of work)
4. Where relevant, your professional registration details, and medical aid are also requested.
5. With all information at hand registration should take approximately 2-3 minutes.

Will my medical aid cover my COVID 19 vaccination?

The answer to this burning question is yes. South Africa’s Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has declared the COVID 19 vaccine will be added to the Prescribed Minimum Benefits of South African medical schemes providing much needed relief to medical aid members. The CMS also provided a reminder that just because your medical aid covers the vaccine does not mean they will cover a COVID 19 test potentially leaving you with out of pocket expenses.

Some medical aid providers have pledged to provide a vaccination to every non-medical aid member for every member who is vaccinated. This has raised concerns among medical aid members as they worry about the costs involved in an initiative of this nature.

Will I, as the member, end up swallowing those costs?

There is no way to know but South Africans are advised to make sure they are getting the best deal possible and to compare what’s available, and then decide based on their circumstances.

What are my other options?

You may want to change your provider or ask your existing provider for a better deal.

To compare medical aid benefits and prices visit www.medicalaid.co.za and make sure you are on the best possible plan to meet your needs during this time.

Influenza (the flu) is caused by the H1N1 virus which spread worldwide during 1918 and 1919. It was first identified in military personnel in 1919. While the flu was being studied, and there were no vaccines or antibiotics to treat secondary infections, control efforts were made worldwide. These non-pharmaceutical interventions included quarantine, isolation, the use of disinfectants, good personal hygiene and the restriction of public gatherings. While we have taken massive strides towards dealing with the flu it is still important to get your flu shot.

“Cape Town epidemiologists predict that there will be a third wave of COVID-19 which will co-inside with winter this year”, premier Alan Winde stated. As we know, winter already brings with it the flu season. This makes it especially important to get vaccinated for the flu. Maytham, Professor of Infectious Diseases at UCT, notes that to avoid a “double whammy” there needs to be a robust flu vaccination and prevention plan but there are questions:

Can I tell the difference between flu and COVID-19?

It is difficult because “the typical symptoms associated with COVID-19 are similar to those with the flu” – Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Discovery Health’s head of the center for clinical excellence.

The best tell is to see whether you have travelled to an infected area or if you have been in close contact with a person displaying COVID-19 symptoms or someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

The symptoms of COVID-19 should not be ignored and include:

• A fever
• Tiredness
• A dry cough
• Aches and pains
• Running nose
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Loss of taste and smell
• Difficulty breathing

If you suspect you may have COVID-19, please call the COVID-19 National Crisis Helpline on 0800 029 999.

Must I still get the flu vaccine if I have had a COVID-19 vaccine?

An absolute resounding yes! The COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine cannot replace each other. It is still important to get a flu vaccine because:

• People forget the flu can also be a serious illness. In recent years, annual flu epidemics have resulted in an estimated 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness, and about 290 000 to 650 000 deaths globally.
• Flu weakens the immune system and makes a person more susceptible to getting COVID-19. So, it’s best to avoid it altogether.

Dr Nematswerani says that “by protecting yourself against one contagious infection – the flu- you should be able to able to reduce your level of risk somewhat against the other” referencing to COVID-19.

There are more reasons to get the flu vaccine this year. The less people with flu, the more health care professionals there are available to deal with COVID-19 patients. Also, you protect others from getting the flu when you get vaccinated.

Is it safe to get the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?

Dr Lungi Nyathi, AfroCentric Group’s managing executive: clinical risk and advisory of and owner of medical aid administrator Medscheme, advises that “South Africans in high-risk groups should take steps to ensure they receive both the flu vaccine and the Covid-19 vaccine when it becomes available to the public.”

Must I still get vaccinated if I had the flu vaccine last year?

Yes. While you may have had the flu vaccine before it is important to get it this year too. You need to get the flu vaccine yearly because the flu virus mutates. As the virus changes strengths and strains so do vaccines to stay up to date.

If I get the flu vaccine, will it give me the flu?

No. The virus in the vaccine is inactive. It does not infect, but rather promotes the development of antibodies in the body. It is, however,  possible to still contract the flu even if you have had a flu shot.

Which flu symptoms are considered an emergency?

The flu can cause the need for medical intervention. Certain signs mean you should seek care right away:

In children:

• Worsening of chronic medical conditions
• A fever or cough that improves but returns or worsens
• A fever above 40 degrees Celsius
• Dehydration
• Severe muscle pain (children might refuse to walk)
• Blushed lips
• Chest pain
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing

In adults:

• Worsening of chronic medical conditions
• A fever or cough that improves but returns or worsens
• Persistent pressure or pain in the chest
• Seizures
• Not urinating
• Persistent dizziness
• Severe muscle pain

When can I get a flu vaccination?

Flu vaccines are generally available to the public from March or April each year. The best time to get the vaccine is as soon as it becomes available. This is not a final deadline. If you have the flu vaccine at any time during winter it will still be effective.

Some of the places to get the flu vaccine in South Africa include Clicks, Dis-chem and Shoprite.

Will my medical aid cover my flu shot?

Most medical aids will pay for a flu shot under ‘Screening and Prevention’ benefits especially in persons who are at-risk, but it is advisable to check your cover and benefits.

While the flu might not seem so bad you are still at risk. The flu vaccine remains the best available way of protecting yourself from the flu virus this winter. Find out if your medical aid covers your annual flu shot and remember to get them before the cutoff date!

The cost of living has skyrocketed this year and most families are having to tighten their belts in order to make ends meet each month. Individuals are therefore under pressure to eliminate expenses that are not delivering real value to their lives. Gone are the days where South Africans are prepared to pay for services or benefits they are not using or do not need.

Medical Aids are famous for lumping benefits together and charging fixed premiums to their members. Each year, exorbitant increases are announced, and consumers are expected to absorb these additional costs into their budgets even though in most cases, premium increase percentages are higher than average salary increases.

In previous years, medical schemes have passed annual increases in the range of inflation plus 3-5%, which would have meant total increases of 6-8%. However, for 2021, increases have been in the 4-6% range (with several schemes passing increases as low as 4%). One medical aid (Discovery Health)  has come in with a 0% increase, which might fool consumers initially into thinking that would be the best option, but it seems the scheme has plans to pass an increase in June 2021.

Consumers must not be fooled by the percentage increases announced by medical schemes but should rather take a deeper look at price versus benefit and what the total impact will be to their pockets over the full year, in other words the true cost, including what is NOT covered in their medical plan.

Even though these 2021 price increases are the lowest increases the industry has seen for some time, the consumer remains concerned and is looking for ways to save on this onerous monthly expense. The conundrum is that given current uncertainties with COVID-19, having a medical aid and access to private healthcare, has become increasingly important but also increasingly burdensome given that medical aid premiums in some cases are costing families of four or more the equivalent of a home loan repayment and is now one of their biggest monthly expenses.

Medical scheme members feel hard done by and disenchanted with their medical schemes because in addition to the incredibly high premiums they pay monthly, they still find themselves forking out money for day-to-day medical expenses, over the counter medication, co-payments and short-payments.

What should consumers do if they can’t afford their medical aid premium increase for 2021?

First – do not cancel your medical aid unless it’s your absolute last resort! In the short-term you might save on monthly premiums, however if you are not covered, an unexpected illness or accident can ruin you financially, or you may be forced to compromise on the care you receive as you can no longer afford the best.

According to a recent study conducted by the American Journal of Public Health, more than half of all bankruptcies (58%) can be tied back to medical expenses and an estimated 530,000 families in America file for bankruptcy each year because of medical bills and health issues. While exact or similar stats are not available in South Africa, one can imagine that those having to fund medical procedures privately themselves could end up in a similar situation. There is no doubt that having the right medical aid in place and additional insurance like Gap Cover can save you and your family from financial disaster.

Second – know and understand your current plan inside and out. It is important that you understand exactly what you are covered for, what benefits you receive and at what rates. It is possible that you are ‘over-insured’ on your current plan. Even though it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health cover, you could be better off financially and you could be saving money by changing to a different plan instead of paying a high premium for cover you do not need. For example, if you are not planning to have children then why be on a plan with top maternity benefits?

Third – review past medical costs. It is important that you keep track of your medical expenses. That way you can review the extras you are spending money on outside of your medical scheme and try to find a plan that better matches your needs. Also, you might see that you are spending so much on out-of-hospital expenses that a simple hospital plan will no longer suffice, and a more comprehensive plan would actually save you money over time, or vice-versa.

Considering changing plans?

When considering a change to your medical aid plan, or a change of schemes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Such as, it is important that your age and current health-risks are assessed before changing plans.

By law, your new medical scheme is allowed to provide three underwriting conditions:

1. A three-month general waiting period where no claims are covered besides the prescribed minimum benefits and chronic conditions.
2. A 12-month, condition-specific waiting period if you have been diagnosed with a pre-existing condition, for example cholesterol. The new scheme might not cover any costs related to that condition for a year. This waiting period can only be applied if you have not been a member of a scheme for 24 months or if you do not join a new scheme within three months.
3. A late joiner penalty, this only applies if you did not previously belong to a medical scheme and are 35 or older.

All of the above considered, unless you are incredibly healthy and the saving is significant, it might be the best option to stay with your current scheme and rather just change plans to better suit your needs.

Finally, find the best plan for you, based on your current health, your age, your day-to-day needs, your risks, and how many dependents you have.

Review your plan in detail along-side the plan you are considering. Check what it covers and what it does not. The better you understand this, the less likely you are to incur additional expenses during the year. For example, your scheme may specify that you need to get authorisation before consulting a specialist and failing to do so can be a costly mistake as your claim will be declined.

Reviewing your medical scheme and plan can be overwhelming and extremely time consuming without help from technology. It is advisable to use online tools like www.medicalaid.co.za which is South Africa’s best medical scheme comparison website. Here you will be able to find the best medical cover for your healthcare needs and budget. The comparison looks at monthly premium, hospital choice, overall annual limit, cancer cover, reimbursement rate, day-to-day cover, benefits, MRI/CT scans, maternity benefits and chronic cover.

Most schemes allow you to downgrade during the year, but will only allow upgrades in the renewal window (November/December) effective 1 January of the following year.

31 May | World No Tobacco Day

When an urge to use tobacco strikes, remember that although it may be intense, it will probably pass within five to 10 minutes whether or not you smoke a cigarette or chew on some tobacco. Each time you resist a tobacco craving, you are one step closer to stopping tobacco use for good.

Good reasons you should stop

Quitting smoking lowers the risk for cancer, coronary heart disease and improves the functioning of blood vessels, the heart, and lungs. As soon as you stop smoking your body begins to repair itself.

Tobacco contains nicotine and produces chemicals like carbon monoxide that speed up your heart rate and elevate your blood pressure. The same can occur if you vape with nicotine-based e-cigarette fluids. The effect is immediate the moment you inhale.

Within the first 24 hours of quitting cigarettes, your heart rate, blood pressure, circulation will improve and the carbon monoxide levels in your lungs will return to a more normalised state by the end of the first day. And, after one to three months, your lung function could improove by as much as 30%. Over time, your risk of life-threatening health problems, including heart disease and stroke, drops dramatically. 

Here are 10 useful tips to help you quit smoking.

1. Decide on a date and do it
2. Throw away reminders of smoking (ashtrays, lighters, old cigarette packs)
3. Drink lots of water to flush the nicotine from your body
4. Exercise more – take your dog for a walk
5. Change your routine – avoid situations that make you smoke for first 2 days
6. Rally support by telling friends and family that you have quit
7. Understand that its normal to experience dizziness, headaches and coughing for at least 14 days
8. Focus on getting through the first 2 days – after that it gets easier as cravings start to reduce
9. Eat at regular times and snack on healthy foods in-between to avoid weight gain
10. Don’t give in to the ‘just one cigarette’ excuse when a crisis or stressful situation occurs

Adapted from source: cansa.org.za

Over time, your risk of cancer, lung disease, and many other serious diseases will be much lower than if you keep smoking

How fast and how well your body recovers can depend on the number of cigarettes you normally smoke and how long you’ve been smoking, and whether you already have a smoking-related disease. The sooner you quit the sooner your body can start to repair itself. Remember, trying something to beat the urge is always better than doing nothing.

Take the 24-hour challenge now – and get one step closer to being totally tobacco-free.

Some medical aids offer assistance to help you quit smoking. To find out if your medical aid has benefits like this, or to find one that does, get in touch with one of our specialist consultants.

You can also make use of our FREE and independent medical aid price comparison tool that compares prices and benefits of all the top medical aids in South Africa, engineered to compare your existing medical aid option with industry alternatives.

Since the Coronavirus entered the country, we have been told to take precautionary measures like washing your hands and not touching your face but one precaution that has been overlooked is checking your medical aid. With lockdown a reality, now is a good time to check what you are covered for or how you could save money during and beyond the Covid-19 crisis.

The question that has been on South African’s minds lately: “Are medical aids covering COVID-19 related claims?”

The answer to this question is not that clear and often depends on the following:

• The type of cover you have – members on hospital plans do not have access to day-to-day benefits.
• If you have any saving left – members that find themselves in a self-payment gap may incur out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• How sick you get from the virus – in some cases members will show mild flu-like symptoms while in other cases emergency and/or in-hospital treatment may be required.

Quite soon after the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in South Africa, the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) released a statement saying most medical health insurance providers would pay for tests for the novel coronavirus.

As of 18 March 2020, Discovery Health, Momentum Health, Profmed, Fedhealth, and GEMS, have all released statements confirming that their members would be covered for coronavirus testing.

BUT there are some T’s and C’s attached to this commitment:

1. If your test for Covid-19 comes back negative, then the claim will be paid out of your savings.
2. If you have no savings account linked to your plan, or you have run out of savings for the year, you will have to pay for the test out of your own pocket. This amount is estimated at just under R1,500 per test, excluding the doctor’s consultation fee.
3. If your test for Covid-19 comes back positive, you will be covered for the cost of the test, any consultations associated with the diagnosis and supportive treatment and medicines.
4. In some cases, as with Discovery Health, members will be able to access Discovery Health’s “WHO Global Outbreak Benefit” which is opened up when a declared global outbreak like Covid-19 occurs. At the point of a positive diagnosis, members are covered for out-of-hospital costs for related treatment from the Scheme and not from their day-to-day benefits. Most of South Africa’s larger medical schemes hold reserves specifically for events like Covid-19. The challenge however is, if an outbreak goes on for too long then those reserves could deplete.

In most cases, schemes rules for members whose symptoms to Covid-19 do not result in emergency type treatment, will likely be no different to if they presented with a flu virus.

Covid-19 in itself is not a PMB and mild presentations of this disease do not form part of the conditions covered as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB). In other words, you need to be really ill and present with various COVID-19 complications like pneumonia and respiratory failure before treatment will be covered as part of PMBs. In addition, you will need to be hospitalised to have access to any hospital benefits.

Paying for Covid-19 tests and medical treatment is not the only consequence facing South African consumers.

The imposed 21-day lockdown from midnight on Thursday, March 26 until midnight on Thursday, April 16, 2020 will have significant implications for business and individuals. While this measure is intended to slow down the spread of infections and save the lives of hundreds of thousands of South Africans, it will result in additional financial strain for households.

With the complete shutdown of non-essential businesses for 21 days, the question is how many, especially small businesses, will survive – and the real question, how many jobs will be lost, particularly those employed in the travel and tourism and related industries. Should these businesses survive, they will be faced with additional ‘resurrection’ costs when they reopen and may not have sufficient cash reserves to pay their employees beyond a month or two of the lockdown. While there is some talk of loan restructuring from financial institutions, it may not be enough for already over-indebted consumers that have had to dig into their own savings and reserves to fund ‘emergency shopping’ and feeding kids that are now in ‘holiday mode’.

As disposable income starts to diminish, consumers may be looking to cut out some of their bigger monthly expenses in order to fund their households. With medical aid premiums being one of the biggest household expenses, the concern is that consumers may feel the temptation to cancel their medical aids. This is by far the worst time to be without private medical cover. Covid-19 is going to be around for some time still.

For right now, those that are under financial pressure, there are options:

1. Check your medical aid cover – you may be over insured and could pay less monthly by eliminating cover you don’t need.
2. Do a price check on your medical aid and compare your premium with other medical aids that could be offering the same cover for less.
3. Switch from a medical aid to medical insurance. It’s a much better alternative than having no cover at all.
4. If you are able to, consider adding Gap Cover to your plan. This way if you do end up in hospital, you will be covered for any shortfalls incurred from in-hospital specialist treatment. Just remember there is a 3-month waiting period, so rather act now.

You can do all this at www.medicalaid.co.za. The service is free and supported by a team of expert consultants that can assist you with saving money.

Increasing petrol, electricity, water and food prices, and salary increases that barely cover the cost of inflation leaves the average South African consumer under tremendous financial pressure to make ends meet each month. The National Credit Regulator released the Consumer Credit Market Report stating, “more than half a million consumers [are] no longer in good standing on their credit records” (Moepya, 2020). It is time to make serious decisions concerning the financial situation we find ourselves in.

Is the cost of medical aid contributing to the financial pressure on consumers?

There is a worldwide phenomenon, where the high cost of medication and new medical technology is pushing up the cost of medical expenses for the average consumer. “Although the industry increases this year may appear steep during a tough economic climate that continues to put a strain on consumers’ pockets, various factors need to be considered, such as rising medical inflation rates, ageing scheme profiles and regulatory requirements,” says Damian McHugh, executive head of sales and marketing at Momentum Health Solutions (Fin24, 2020). While the increases seem justified the consumer is still caught in the crossfire.

Having medical cover offers consumers peace of mind, but the monthly contributions might be too much for consumers to bear!

It’s no secret that South Africans are struggling to maintain their medical aid repayments and may in many instances be considering ways to reduce this monthly expense. This is a risky decision which warrants doing research into the options available and how to reduce costs while getting the best cover available within budget constraints. Consumers that are considering cutting their medical aid from their monthly budgets to maintain other financial obligations, must carefully evaluate their options. Here are some ways to reduce medical scheme contribution costs without cancelling cover altogether:

1. Are there any other costs that can be cut?
   
   While this option may seem obvious, its often perceived by consumers that it’s easier to cancel a medical policy than to try to reduce other living expenses. Running a family budget is never easy as it requires buy-in and commitment from the whole family. Reducing unnecessary costs is preferable to losing your medical cover. As such, consumers should take a hard look at their situation and consider sacrificing some luxury items like private schooling, DSTV subscriptions, eating out and maybe even selling off a second car.
   
   
2. Investigate dropping your medical cover to a cheaper option (like a hospital plan)
   
   The number of benefits consumers opt for will determine how much they pay. Consumers should therefore investigate more affordable options with reduced benefits that their current scheme offers. The bigger the scheme, the more options available. However, consumers that are part of smaller schemes will have a more limited choice and may need to look outside their current scheme for better deals. One of the key challenges with trying to downgrade to cheaper cover is that most schemes only allow members to change to a different option once a year, usually towards the end of the year. Therefore, consumers will need to plan carefully and allow enough time to do their research, so that they can make an informed decision within this specified period. This is not a decision to be rushed.
   
   Some of the more common downgrade options that can be considered include dropping down to a cheaper option with limited out-of-hospital cover and/or a smaller medical savings plan or no savings plan at all. There are also options available whereby consumers pay less if they use providers that are listed as part of the scheme’s doctor network or take up medical insurance to replace day-to-day cover offered by a medical aid. Whatever the decision, when deciding to downgrade your cover, be mindful of your own and your family’s current and possible future needs. Find an option that has suitable cover while at the same time fits your budget.
   
3. Manage the dependents on your scheme
   
   If you have three children, there is no rule stating they all must be listed as dependents on your medical scheme. Most consumers don’t know this. While it may be risky, immediate savings could be made by removing healthy child dependents from your scheme, keeping only those with greater medical needs covered. A better risk to take than to have no cover at all. Should the main members financial situation improve, they could always add the other dependents back again. Just remember that there might be waiting periods imposed in this event.
   
   Another consideration is the cost of children that move from ‘child dependent’ status to ‘adult dependent’ status when they near the ages of 18-21 (depending on the scheme). As children change to adult dependents, their monthly contribution in some cases could double. Consumers in this situation should consider moving healthy adult children onto their own, more affordable hospital plan. Another option is to register your adult dependent as a student. As long as you have proof that your adult child is a full-time student with no income of their own, most schemes will allow for a discounted student rate. Also, some schemes only charge for three child dependents, so families with more than three children should definitely look at moving to one of these schemes.

All of these options are not as ideal as full comprehensive medical cover, and each comes with its own risks. However, the risks associated with these reduced cover options are still far better than the alternative of no cover at all.

All of these options are not as ideal as full comprehensive medical cover, and each comes with its own risks. However, the risks associated with these reduced cover options are still far better than the alternative of no cover at all.

Understanding how your medical benefits work is a daunting task for most consumers. For example, a scheme might cover a member for 100% of hospital costs at the medical fund rate. This doesn’t mean that all in-hospital costs will be covered, and uninformed consumers could still be left with an enormous bill for making use of a specialist that charges more than the medical fund rate.

Consumers wanting to explore how to get the most out of their medical aids in this tough economy should make use of resources like the free instant online medical aid comparison tool available at medicalaid.co.za. Make the right choices for 2020 and beyond.

Have you heard the news? By the year 2026, South Africa’s National Health Insurance Bill will be in full swing. Finally! Every South African will be entitled to free, world-class health services.

Great news! 

Or is it?

At the moment, South Africa’s healthcare is being financed by medical schemes and hospital cash plans but these only benefits those who are employed and fall within the middle- and upper-class income groups; those belonging to the lower-income groups are left to fend for themselves should they need medical attention.

Around 84% of South Africans currently rely on the country’s public health system, some of whom wait up to 5 years to receive lifesaving treatment.

In theory, South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill sounds ideal – it aims to provide every South African with access to quality health care services, but is it really that clear-cut?

Let’s take a closer look at how it will work.

As a medical aid member, you are currently paying a monthly membership fee. But under the NHI bill, you will see a similar amount added to your tax contribution each month. Medical aid schemes as we know it will (allegedly) become obsolete and South Africa will be left with one health system (instead of our current 2-tier system). 

Although, according to a Q&A released by the South African Health Department, “it is not the intention of Government to abolish private medical schemes if individual members wish to keep them. However, once NHI is implemented, it becomes mandatory for all citizens, meaning no one can opt-out of it even if they still wish to keep their private medical aids schemes”.

Most health care services such as GP visits, prescription medication, surgery, and in-hospital stays will be free of charge and registered doctors will be paid by the South African government.

The bill was first introduced in August 2011 and is expected to be in full swing by 2026, but it’s being rolled out in three phases:

Phase 1: (2012 – 2017) The foundation is laid for the NHI Bill. The NHI fund was introduced and tested in 11 health districts.

Phase 2: (2017 – 2022) Focused on ensuring the bill is functional and the required management and governance structures are in place so that the acquisition of services and registrations can begin.

Phase 3: (2022 – 2026) Mandatory prepayment will be introduced to the public, the services of private hospitals and specialists will be contracted, and the Medical Schemes Amendment Act will be finalised. 

We are currently in the second phase, waiting for the 3rd and final phase to begin in two years.

The government says that the NHI is aimed at helping medical aid members cope with expensive out of pocket costs. But will the quality of our healthcare have to suffer for the sake of affordability? 

Not according to SA’s health department. It says that the NHI bill will see massive investments made to ensure the improvement of the country’s health infrastructure and the following standards must be complied with –

• Improved hygiene within hospitals
• Reduced waiting times
• The elimination of stock shortages (medicine will always be available)
• Improved safety measures for both patients and staff
• Added measures to prevent in-hospital infections due to negligence
• Friendlier and more competent staff

These seem to be targeting the correct pain points currently faced in our public hospitals. Especially when it comes to waiting times, hygiene, and staff competence.

Is it such a good idea to merge SA’s 2-tier health system, though? We’ll let you decide. 

The Pros

• Everyone, regardless of income, will have access to proper health care.
• All contributions, along with funds from the country’s healthcare budget, will be combined to pay for health care services meaning that doctor’s consults and treatment will be more affordable
• You will have access to all your medical records.
• You will have access to specialists you would otherwise not be able to afford, and
• Inequality within the healthcare industry will decrease and ideally, be eradicated.

The Cons

• If you receive an income, you will have to contribute to the NHI fund. 
• As an SA citizen, you will be required to join the NHI fund, it is mandatory
• Foreign citizens won’t be covered unless they have travel insurance
• You will need to adhere to strict rules should you need to visit a specialist
• You will need to register with a GP who is contracted with the state
• There will be a tax increase for all employed citizens
• Unless you are still registered with a private medical aid scheme or are willing to pay cash, you will need to choose from a list of registered GPs.

The Bottom Line

The overwhelming opinion is that the National Health Insurance Bill will do more harm than good by not only harming the country’s private health sector and medical aid schemes, but also damaging South Africa’s economy as a whole.

There are still some grey areas in the bill but ultimately, the NHI Bill will be implemented despite public protest. The question of how successful this system will be remains to be seen.

Get in touch and let us know how you feel about this new bill. 

Are you getting the best deal possible with your medical aid? Visit the MedicalAid.co.za website to view your medical aid options or request a call from one of our expert consultants.

South Africa is home to “80 different open and closed medical aid schemes, with 4.02 million registered members, serving a total of 8.87 million beneficiaries” (Business Tech, 2020). Sadly, further research indicates most South African’s are dissatisfied with their medical aid service provider. Many feel resentful and ripped off when thinking about how much they pay versus how much they still have to pay out of pocket when they need care.

It’s no wonder most South Africans on a private medical scheme are wanting to cut down on these expenses. A medical aid is a grudge purchase that takes a big portion of hard-earned monthly income from its members for what most feel is not adequate cover.   

The South African economy, along with its high unemployment rate means that most of its citizens are unable to afford private healthcare cover, which in turn puts greater strain onto those that can. The harsh reality is that people cannot afford to be without it either.

Cutting down on your medical aid is a major disinvestment

The government system in SA that was designed to provide free or low-cost treatment for all, is failing, and declining by the day and it seems there is little chance that it can continue to provide more than basic primary care. This against a backdrop where there appears to be a growing need for advanced diagnostic services such as MRI or CAT scans. The severe and often life-threatening impact on a patient waiting for service from a government health facility is distressing.

Not many South Africans have R9000 lying around in case they need to pay for an MRI, and by the off chance you need bypass surgery you could find yourself looking for R300 000 or more in your budget. Still wondering if you should give up or cut back on your medical aid?

Do not give up your medical aid

If you have the means, it pays to invest in the most comprehensive cover that you can afford. Of course, you should consider your circumstances. For example, if you are young and in good health, a hospital plan for unforeseen emergencies should prove to be an effective and affordable option.

However, those with children or those with chronic illness and regular healthcare expenses should opt for the most comprehensive product they can afford.

If you are struggling to maintain your medical aid repayment each month you could look at ways to reduce this monthly expense by downgrading to a hospital plan and then taking out medical insurance and gap cover separately. This is a far less risky approach than cancelling your medical aid cover altogether.

Another option is to get an expert to assist you. You could reduce costs by reducing benefits that you do not need.

What you need to know when downgrading

The number of benefits you opt for will determine how much you pay. However, one of the key challenges you may face with trying to downgrade to cheaper cover is that most schemes only allow members to change to a different option once a year, usually towards the end of the year. Changing before then could result in you having to pay back any savings that were advanced to you at the beginning of the year.

Some of the more common downgrade options that you could consider include;

• dropping down to a cheaper option with limited out-of-hospital cover.
• opting for a smaller medical savings plan or no savings plan at all.
• moving to a plan that allows you to pay less if you use medical service providers (doctors) that are listed as part of the scheme’s doctor network.
  

Before deciding, ask yourself – Are you being driven by price or by need?

Remember, when deciding to downgrade your cover, you must be mindful of your own and your family’s current and possible future needs. Don’t fall into the trap of making a decision based on price alone. Find an option that has suitable cover and that fits your budget. If you don’t have enough cover or the right cover or you haven’t understood the fine print – you could still be crippled financially by an accident or unexpected health crisis.

The three main things to review and consider when choosing your medical scheme:

• Hospitalisation costs
• Day to day savings
• Chronic care: including medication costs
  

Also Remember PMB’s (Prescribed Minimum Benefits)

In terms of the Medical Schemes Act, regardless of the benefit option you have selected, there is a defined list of benefits/treatments for which all Medical Aid schemes in South Africa have to provide cover for. This includes covering the costs related to the diagnosis, treatment and care of any emergency medical condition; a limited set of 270 medical conditions; and 25 chronic conditions.

It is important to note when it comes to chronic medication that schemes can impose preferred providers and sometimes only pay for generic versions of medication. This means that you need to get your medication from the medical scheme’s appointed service provider, or you will need to fund a co-payment out of your own pocket for your chronic medication.

If you have a persistent condition, check if it is listed as a chronic condition and then check that the medication you use is also covered. Some medical schemes have additional chronic conditions that they cover over and above the 25 that they are obligated by law to cover. These additional conditions could change, so again if you were covered this year, don’t assume it will be covered next year. Rather double check to avoid surprise expenses.

Beware of out of Network penalties

Most Medical Schemes have service provider networks with whom they have negotiated rates to contain costs.  These networks include pharmacies, GP’s, specialists and hospitals. If your healthcare provider is not one of these network providers, you will be liable for a co-payment. 

If the network is convenient for you to use, then changing to a ‘network’ plan could mean substantial discounts on your monthly medical aid premium. If saving money is a major priority for you, then find out if the medical scheme provider you are currently with has a network and if they are in your area. Then if they are acceptable to you, consider downgrading your option.

We can help!

Medicalaid.co.za is South Africa’s best medical scheme comparison website where we help you to find the best medical cover for your healthcare needs and budget (at no cost to you). In three easy steps you can compare your current medical scheme premium or get a quotation comparison based on your needs.

If you want to be able to search for, and compare, personalised medical schemes and healthcare options across multiple service providers with just one click, then visit medicalaid.co.za now.