
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.

In its long-awaited report, the Council for Medical Schemes says its preferred recommendation is not to introduce LCBOs.

The Universal Healthcare Access Coalition – which includes healthcare professionals and funders – contends that a single tax-funded system cannot effectively provide universal medical coverage.

Life insurers are expected to maintain steady profitability, but policy surrenders and competition-driven pricing pressures could impact long-term growth.

The case raises questions about whether LCBOs will expand access to affordable private healthcare or threaten the rollout of NHI.

The Hospital Association of South Africa joins other organisations in challenging the NHI Act in court but keeps the door open for dialogue with the government.

The Department of Health labels a report of a compromise on NHI as ‘ridiculous and unfounded’.

Progress with implementing National Health Insurance will be contingent on the fiscal situation.

Contribution increases in 2025 are exceeding CPI, with some medical schemes aiming to rebuild reserves and ensure long-term sustainability.

The Hospital Association of SA’s proposal for mandatory health insurance aims to shift millions of formally employed citizens to private coverage.

Motsoaledi insists that equalising healthcare shouldn’t be held back by funding concerns, and he challenges the assumptions behind the cost estimates.

The South African Health Professionals Collaboration says the document is biased towards solidifying support for NHI.

Business Unity South Africa and the South African Medical Association are unhappy about references to NHI in the document.

Aaron Motsoaledi wants to engage with with stakeholders who are in favour of universal health coverage but have objections to the NHI Act.

Headlines characterising the High Court’s judgment as a huge blow to NHI ‘are in the same mould as Bell Pottinger propaganda’.

The High Court finds that sections of the National Health Act providing for a Certificate of Need scheme do not pass constitutional muster.

But statements by the Minister of Health indicate the ANC does not believe material changes to the NHI Act should be made.

It is expected that scrapping the medical scheme tax credit will be the first measure designed to raise revenue for NHI.