Bonitas announces 8.9 percent increase with added benefits

Bonitas Medical Fund has, despite a challenging year for the healthcare industry and current tough economic conditions faced by consumers, announced a weighted increase of 8.9 percent for 2019.

Principal Officer Gerhard Van Emmenis, says, “The past 12 months have been extremely trying, with a number of uncertainties and changes anticipated, all made tougher by the increase in VAT and escalating prices.”

Despite this, Bonitas’ financial results for 2017 were the best in its 35-year history, with a solid surplus of R730.20 million, having recouped a deficit of R16.9 million from the previous year. A turn around that bolstered reserves from R3.2 billion to R4 billion.

A number of additional benefits were announced. “We know that it’s not only the monthly premiums that affect the consumers’ pockets,’ says Van Emmenis, ‘but the value they get out of their medical aid plan. Some benefits have been tweaked, others increased, to help members take control of their health and lead better lifestyles.”

The fund continues to work at reducing healthcare costs by seeking partnerships with healthcare providers. “This ensures we are part of the same value chain, rather than being part of the supply and demand of the healthcare economy. We are also focused on educating role players to balance the triangle of affordability, quality and cost efficiencies,” he explains.

In recent years, the fund has taken a multi-pronged approach to cost saving by focusing on hospital negotiations reduction of fraud, waste and abuse and managed care, It boasts the country’s largest GP network and its Diabetes Care and Management programme has reduced related hospital admissions by 11.6 percent year-on-year.

Digital remains a key driver for member and broker communication with a revamped online application an electronic membership and a live chat function which has been added. While a Bonitas App, to be introduced in January, will make it easier for members to view their benefits and claims as well as submit claims, obtain authorisation, find a network provider and resolve queries on the go.

“We have, Van Emmenis concludes, “negotiated great deals that reward our members and contribute to their financial well-being. These include gap cover through Medgap, discounted up to 48 percent and critical illness cover which offers a free investment and an extra 10percent added to the investment. In addition, free discount vouchers will be available to members from January 2019.”