THANDI XABA
Most medical aids have announced their increases for the 2015 financial year. Healthcare expert Len Deacon says all medical schemes are obligated to pay whatever amounts the doctors charge but there are factors that influence rates medical cover offer.
"There are a number of factors that influence the cost escalation, health care inflation outstrips general inflation, both nationally and internationally.
Hence why many medical aids have gone into network kind of options," he says.
In choosing medical aid Deacon advises individuals consider factors like a change in lifestyle, chronic conditions as well as the budget. He says there is no competition in the hospital systems, with only three major hospitals in the country that dominate over 70% of beds, leaving many medical scheme price-takers with no room to negotiate.
Further reports reveal that pensioners are the most affected and with the weak rand, imported medication and equipment will mean an increase in prices.
Several medical scheme like Discovery Health will see an average rise of 9,9% for its members, Bonita’s a 7,2% increase, Fedhealth’s will move up to 10,6% while Medihelp will go up by 12%.
