Discovery Health’s 2027 plans: 8.2% average increase and a new option
Two out of three beneficiaries will face increases below 8%, while Discovery is adding a new lower-cost plan and expanding its personalised health platform.
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Discovery financially stronger, but beneficiary base shrinks again
DHMS improved its solvency, surplus and principal membership, but an ageing risk pool, fewer beneficiaries, and a claims-system error tempered the year’s progress.
Bigger, older, and more concentrated: 7 facts reshaping medical schemes
Twenty years of industry data show that medical schemes have become increasingly dependent on scale, investment returns, and strong reserves to remain sustainable.
Discovery links higher cancer screening to earlier diagnosis
New data shows rising cancer diagnoses among members, but also increased screening and earlier detection, which DHMS links to improved survival outcomes.
Surge in mental-health diagnoses – targeted programmes show results
Discovery Health data shows a sharp rise in mental-health conditions, particularly among young adults, yet structured programmes are helping members to achieve measurable improvements in well-being.
Discovery delays 2026 contribution increase to April
Leading open medical schemes have announced increases above the CMS’s guidance, underscoring the tension between regulator calls for restraint and schemes’ funding needs.
Discovery members ‘make the Smart move’, while KeyCare loses ground
The decline in KeyCare Plus membership reflects a reduction in employer subsidies and fewer mandates for medical scheme membership, DHMS says.
CMS will issue a new circular on appointment of healthcare brokers
A significant ruling by the Appeal Board rendered the processes outlined in the circulars published in 2022 invalid.
RAF loses another medical scheme member liability case
The High Court, endorsing the minority judgment’s view, rules the Fund must pay the medical expenses covered by Discovery Health.
Court orders RAF to pay medical scheme members’ claims
Another attempt by the Road Accident Fund to contest liability based on the ‘majority decision’ against Discovery Health has fallen through.
Majority judgment ‘does not alter’ RAF’s liability for medical scheme members’ claims
The High Court in Cape Town rejects the Road Accident Fund’s contention that the Mlambo judgment has altered the legal landscape.
Closing the gaps in cancer care: academic advocates for patient-centred solutions
Associate Professor Tasleem Ras’s analysis of a patient’s case highlights critical pitfalls in cancer care.
As medical schemes announce hikes, members brace for tough choices amid rising costs
With major medical schemes reporting average contribution hikes exceeding 9%, members face tough choices in an increasingly unaffordable healthcare landscape.
Discovery gap cover advert ‘should have made the waiting period explicit’
The ARB says the advert is misleading because it did not make it clear that the maternity benefit came with a 12-month waiting period.
Discovery’s enhanced screening benefit will be available to new members after 2024
DHMS provides an update on the impact of the WELLTH Fund and membership movements following the consolidation of the Comprehensive series.
Discovery reports surge in chronic diseases, urges annual check-ups
Discovery Health Medical Scheme reports that the rate of annual health checks exceeded pre-Covid levels in 2023.
Increase in Discovery’s cancer claim payouts – and screening rates have recovered
Claims for cancer treatment and maintenance therapy rose by almost 8% in 2023.
