CMS warns the public against unaccredited healthcare broker Nyameka Stella Booi

The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), regulator of the medical schemes industry, would like to warn the public to act with caution when dealing with Nyameka Stella Booi (Ms Booi). Ms Booi is not accredited in terms of the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 (MSA) to render broker services as a healthcare broker.

The CMS has rejected an application for accreditation as a healthcare broker for Ms Nyameka Stella Booi. Ms Booi applied for accreditation as a healthcare broker in Port Elizabeth in terms of the MSA and indicated that she would be employed by an accredited brokerage, Independent Distributions Network (Pty) Ltd. She was previously employed by Ms Charlene Grigor and Charmeir Consultants CC, whose individual and brokerage accreditation was recently withdrawn by the CMS.

According to Mr Daniel Lehutjo, Acting Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Council for Medical Schemes, prior to granting accreditation, applicants must satisfy CMS that they meet the academic qualification requirements. “Ms Booi submitted a certified copy of a senior certificate (Grade 12) along with her application form. Upon verifying the contents of the certificate presented, it was confirmed that the applicant did not obtain the senior certificate and that she presented a false document in an effort to obtain accreditation. She similarly failed to demonstrate relevant experience as a requirement. The employer was notified of the findings and she was not employed.”

Any person providing broker services is required to comply with Section 65 and Regulation 28(B) as envisioned in the MSA – this deals amongst other things with the minimum criteria brokers have to meet including qualifications and experience.

The CMS again reminds consumers who wish to appoint healthcare brokers or brokerages for the purpose of rendering broker services, to verify beforehand with CMS or either the customer care line (0861 123 267) or on the website www.medicalschemes.com as to whether or not such entity or individual is accredited to render broker services, advised Lehutjo.