STAY WITH BESTMED — IT’S IN YOUR BEST INTEREST

In these unprecedented times, Bestmed Medical Scheme understands that many of its members are experiencing the pressure of a decreased household income, or even lack thereof. But it is also clear that medical aid is crucial during the time of a pandemic, such as the current Covid-19 crisis. As an essential service provider during the pandemic, various alternative payment options were considered in April to support members who were unable to pay their current premiums during lockdown. However, Bestmed is only able to offer members relief alternatives that are aligned with the Council for Medical Schemes’ (CMS) directives and approvals.

The scheme currently offers a payment relief option that allows members to downgrade to a more affordable option, subject to their savings account not being overspent. Members who downgrade will still benefit from the preventative care benefits and maternity care programme offered across all options.

Bestmed recently received approval from the CMS to offer individual qualifying members, who pay their full monthly contributions out of their own pockets and have at least six months’ worth of savings accumulated in their vested savings (the amount should be enough to cover at least one full month’s contribution), the option to pay premiums from their vested savings.

The qualifying individual member will have the opportunity to pay their May to December 2020 contributions from vested savings, subject to the above-mentioned criteria being met.

This unfortunately means that corporate members and pensioners will not qualify for the above-mentioned option. However, pensioner members whose premiums are paid from the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) pension grants may request that their debit order be deducted on the 7th of the month instead of the 1st.

Regardless of their benefit option, Covid-19 diagnostic tests will be reimbursed according to the following criteria and requirements:

1. If the member is symptomatic and referred by the service provider for a test, the claim will be paid from the scheme’s risk benefit irrespective of the result.

2. If the member is asymptomatic and unreferred for a Covid-19 test, the claim will be paid from the available day-to-day benefits or savings.

3. All confirmed, positive Covid-19 tests will be paid as a prescribed minimum benefit (PMB).

BESTMED SUPPORT

It is imperative to remain a member of the scheme and, if the situation demands, to take advantage of a relevant payment relief option. This will help members to avoid unnecessary healthcare expenses, which could cause further personal financial strain.

Bestmed also wants to support members in taking precautionary measures during the pandemic. Members who purchase hand sanitisers at registered pharmacies can submit their cash receipts for a refund.

The medical aid also recognises the need to assist members of the community who are struggling financially during South Africa’s Covid-19 lockdown. In this regard, Bestmed will also contribute towards Covid-19 relief efforts. The board has approved funds to be allocated towards much-needed food and sanitising supplies, three-layer masks and high-quality cloth pads, respectively, to people in need.

GENEROUS DONATIONS

Employees have also been part of the solution and have generously donated a total of R792 231 towards a relief fund which will be utilised for people in need.

The scheme is also grateful for the contributions that their sponsored entities have made to stakeholders. Bestmed Road Rangers have assisted in packing and delivering food parcels to people in need, while Bestmed Tshwane Classic and The Bicycle Company (TBC) Bestmed Club have motivated the cycling community to stay healthy, fit and in high spirits.

Bestmed is committed to helping both scheme members and members of the community in dire need at this time of crisis.

In keeping with their “Personally Yours” brand promise, not only has Bestmed contributed towards assisting members of the community, but Bestmed employees have generously volunteered to contribute towards a relief fund.