Medical scheme members not likely to pay arm and a leg for Covid vaccine
By Edward West
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CAPE TOWN - The inclusion of Covid-19 vaccine to medical scheme benefits is not likely to substantially increase medical aid payments by members, Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) acting GM for Stakeholder Relations Mmatsie Mpshane said Wednesday.
The CMS has been coordinating public-private sector collaboration aimed at ensuring universal access to vaccines when it is available in South Africa, in line with the country’s priorities and individual health needs.
Covid-19 vaccine has been included in the Prescribed Minimum Benefits of medical schemes, amendments that had also recently been approved by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, Mpshane said in a statement.
Council of Medical Schemes unpacks medical aid schemes vaccine strategy iol.co.za - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from iol.co.za Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Donât let an accident over the holidays ruin your 2021
By Opinion
By Tony Singleton
While the Covid-19 pandemic may have caused changes in travel plans and will potentially keep more people closer to home, the reality is that accidents abound over this time. From action adventure-related concussion to accidental broken bones, injuries resulting from âDo It Yourselfâ (DIY) to car accidents, there are many ills that could befall, even if you stay at home. All of these have the potential to result in large out of pocket expenses related to medical treatment. Make sure you have Gap Cover in place to help you handle these unanticipated incidents and ensure that an accident doesnât ruin 2021 financially before it has even begun.
Medical schemes face âsustainability challengesâ
By Georgina Crouth
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Medical schemes face âserious sustainability challengesâ owing to stagnant membership growth, among other things. This emerged at the release last week of the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) annual report for 2019/20.
The council, which lost two chairmen this year to Covid-19 â Dr Clarence Mini in May, then Professor Lungile Pepeta in August â has been wracked by staff shortages, internal probes into fraud and corruption, and a constrained budget. In mid-November, a new council was appointed as part of the CMSâs five-year planning cycle, headed by a new chairman, Dr Memela Makiwane.
COVID-19: What will your medical aid cover? Updated
Lifestyle Reporter
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While benefits may differ slightly depending on the medical scheme plan you are on, here are the ones which are covered by all schemes, regardless of your plan.
Coronavirus medication/ iStock
Many South Africans breathed a sigh of relief when the country seemed to be over the peak of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the alarming recent resurgence in cases is a stark reminder that we cannot afford to become complacent.
With the festive season around the corner, many of us will be attending family gatherings which could act as super-spreader events if we don’t stringently observe the now commonplace essential precautionary protocols like meticulous hand-washing, social distancing, wearing of masks, and adequate ventilation. Where possible, outdoor family gatherings and other activities are much safer than indoor meetings.