You should be more than a number to your medical scheme

A medical scheme “should show up for you and your family by understanding the people behind the purchases”.

THE final quarter of 2021 is underway and families are turning their thoughts to what matters most as they begin to make plans for the year ahead, with conversations around health remaining prominent.

“As the SA economy struggles to get up from its knees, the wise private healthcare consumer is looking for healthcare cover that is not only affordable, but will also provide benefits that align to the health goals of his or her family,” says Josua Joubert, chief executive and principal officer of CompCare Medical Scheme.

Joubert says that, as any astute healthcare adviser will attest, pricepoint is a key driver in the decision making process.

“Important to consider is the scheme’s average weighted contribution increase for 2022, and a scheme that has managed to keep increases to a level below that of the pre-Covid era clearly understands the financial position of consumers.

“At the same time, reliability is paramount, and maintaining a good solvency ratio places a scheme in a league of its own when it comes to a stable and predictable financial future,” he says.

So, with the basics covered, what kind of value are people looking for?

FAMILY FIRST

“As a family man I can relate to the need to provide the best possible groundings for one’s children, no matter the challenges faced. Many medical scheme members will start here, and they are right to do so.

“For example, a scheme that provides kids with a nutritional assessment and a healthy eating plan specially developed for children, is a partner in health worth seeking out. Likewise, a consultation with an occupational therapist, a fitness assessment and an exercise prescription programme for your children can set them on a path of lifelong physical fitness,” notes Joubert.

“And while some parents may not think it particularly important just yet, cover that includes the HPV vaccine for young girls provides the option of added protection from cervical cancer in later years of their life – a priceless gift.”

Joubert points out that many parents, especially young families who are starting out, need all the support they can get, particularly in times of economic difficulty. He says a medical scheme that provides the most important healthcare benefits with extras that add tangible value across a variety of benefit options at a price that realistically suits member budgets, is a scheme that has the member’s best interests at heart.

“Naturally, every young family will want cover for those building blocks in the early years – baby wellness visits and childhood immunisations, preschool eye, hearing and dental screenings as well as a school readiness assessment.

“With little ones under the age of six who are starting out at preschool, exploring a wider world and building their immune systems, it can be a lifesaver to have unlimited cover for GP visits and basic dentistry, as well as an extra annual visit to the emergency room,” he says.

PREVENTATIVE BENEFITS

According to Joubert, when it comes to employer groups seeking to protect and maintain the good health of their employees and their loved ones, the value of preventative care truly comes into its own.

“A scheme that encourages members at every level to use their preventative benefits and take control of their health must also ensure that costs are not a barrier for anyone when it comes to safeguarding the future of their health in this way. It therefore goes a long way if these benefits are paid from risk and do not affect day-to-day or savings benefits,” he says.

COVER FOR INJURIES

Being active should, by the same token, allow a real sense of choice with a reliable medical scheme that not only provides access to outstanding wellness benefits but also cover injuries from adventure sports, Joubert says. “Not all schemes can offer this level of freedom but those that do, afford members the option to pursue their wellness goals in their own way.

ONCOLOGY

“It almost goes without saying that members want to know that their medical scheme has their back with an unlimited oncology benefit for total support, if ever they are in a position where this benefit needs to be activated.”

MENTAL ILLNESS

“Finally, being a pillar that supports a company or family, and sometimes both, can take its mental toll – especially in difficult times. Having access to a 24/7, unlimited professional telephonic emotional health and wellbeing support line, with referrals for one on-one counselling when needed, can be the stabilising force we all sometimes need,” Joubert says.

Supplied by CompCare Medical Scheme