SCA to hear BHF’s appeal on low-cost medical options
The Supreme Court of Appeal will hear arguments on the merits if the appeal is upheld.
#lowcostbenefitoptions
Major setback for medical schemes in legal battle over low-cost options
The Board of Healthcare Funders says it will appeal after the High Court dismissed its application on procedural and substantive grounds.
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.
Health Minister signals opposition to low-cost benefit options for medical schemes
In its long-awaited report, the Council for Medical Schemes says its preferred recommendation is not to introduce LCBOs.
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.
Court hears case on low-cost benefit options for medical schemes
The case raises questions about whether LCBOs will expand access to affordable private healthcare or threaten the rollout of NHI.
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.
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.
Another setback for CMS in legal battle over LCBO documents
The signing of the NHI Act does not mean the BHF is letting up in its fight for regulations on low-cost benefit options.
CMS invites BHF to collaborate, criticises ‘forum-shopping’ tactics
The BHF’s canvassing of key policy issues in the public domain via a ‘deliberately leaked’ lawyer’s letter indicates the organisation ‘has run out of creative ideas’.
CMS denies it is sabotaging medical schemes to boost NHI
The regulator comes out swinging in its response to the Board of Healthcare Funders’ claims of bullying and curatorship abuse.
Primary health insurance policies can be sold for another year
The exemption will remain in force for 12 months unless a decision is made on low-cost benefit options before 31 March 2025.
Board of Healthcare Funders takes Council for Medical Schemes to task in lawyer’s letter
The BHF raises 10 issues, including the ‘misuse’ of curatorships, whether NHI is informing policy prematurely, and the absence of low-cost benefit options.
