Medihelp’s solvency dips again, but scheme says recovery plan is working
Medihelp says its recovery plan is on track, with strong cost controls, younger members, and CMS-approved funding measures set to restore financial stability by 2026.
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Bestmed marks sixth year of membership growth
Despite economic headwinds and high claims ratios, Bestmed grew net membership by 4.4% in 2024, bolstered by strong solvency and a R164.4m surplus.
NFO’s Life Division recovers over R202m for consumers in 2024
Complaints about life-benefit payouts climbed to 36% of the Division’s cases, from 34% in 2023.
HFA warns: NHI will slash healthcare, raise taxes, and drain the economy
The Health Funders Association, which represents nearly half of SA’s private healthcare market, is the latest organisation to launch a legal challenge against the NHI Act.
Suicide-related life claims surge by 62% over five years
Discovery Life’s claims data reveals rising risks, with increasing concerns about mental health and skin cancer.
CMS extends exemption for primary healthcare policies
Insurers are allowed to offer primary healthcare policies for an additional two years pending the finalisation of a framework for low-cost benefit options.
Sanlam’s split with Bonitas paves the way for exclusive Fedhealth partnership
After months of speculation, Sanlam has officially partnered with Fedhealth as its exclusive open medical scheme provider.
BHF slams CMS report on LCBOs as flawed and politically motivated
The Board of Healthcare Funders questions the timing and content of the CMS’s report, claiming it ignores stakeholder input and the opposition to low-cost benefit options is politically motivated.
Healthcare costs are rising – but so is the need for cover
Medical inflation and increasing health demands are making healthcare more expensive. Instead of cancelling your medical scheme, here’s how to adjust your plan to stay covered without breaking the bank.
Why financial planners shouldn’t overlook gap cover in clients’ strategies
Gap cover can protect your clients’ retirement savings and long-term goals from unexpected medical expenses.
Rising demand for weight-loss drugs: balancing health, cost, and supply
The demand for GLP-1 medications as a weight-loss solution raises critical questions about accessibility, affordability, and the long-term sustainability of their use for managing obesity and diabetes.
Rising costs prompt members to weigh medical scheme options
Downgrading to a lower plan may appear to be a cost-saving strategy, but it frequently results in increased out-of-pocket expenses.
How financial advisers can attract millennials with income protection solutions
Bidvest Life’s Nic Smit suggests shifting from the traditional approach of leading with death coverage to focusing on income protection when engaging younger clients.
Bestmed defends 12.75% 2025 contribution hike as industry faces cost pressures
Bestmed states pending rules for low-cost benefit options have further complicated efforts to reduce costs for members.
Strategies for brokers to address common misconceptions around gap cover
How to show your clients that gap cover can be the missing piece in their overall healthcare and financial protection strategy.
Medical scheme contribution hikes for 2025: what’s driving the surge?
Contribution increases in 2025 are exceeding CPI, with some medical schemes aiming to rebuild reserves and ensure long-term sustainability.
Bestmed’s 2025 contribution hike is the biggest of top five open schemes
Bestmed says that rand for rand its benefit options will remain competitive despite the proposed average increase of 12.75%.
