Bonitas announces 9, 9% across-the-board increase for 2013

Bonitas Medical Fund, the second largest open medical scheme in South Africa with a solvency of 37.3%, today (Monday) announced its member plans for 2013 with a strong emphasis on value, quality of service delivery, and consistency in enhancing benefits.

The Fund will increase its member contributions by 9, 9% across the board in 2013. These changes come into effect on 01 January 2013.

Bonitas Medical Fund Principal Officer Dr Bobby Ramasia said: “The tariff adjustment is based on a number of important dynamics we take into account to advance the level of managed care we offer to our members.”

Significantly, for 2013, under the banner of the Bonitas Specialist Network, agreed rates will be charged in and out of hospital; there will not be any co-payments, levies or out of pocket expenses; and prescribed minimum benefits will be covered in full at the designated network specialist.

Dr Ramasia said: “Since 2011, Bonitas agreed to pay service providers when charged fees for service at cost to avoid co-payments at the point of service delivery. This decision has had an impact on cost management, which we srutinised realistically ahead of adjusting our 2013 ajdustments.

“In addition, The Bonitas Medical Fund has also made provision for the pending amalgamation with Prosano which was tabled at the Annual General Meeting in September 2012. The amalgamation is likely to affect the short term of the scheme’s solvency ratio. Bonitas has, and always will, pride itself on its financial strength and prudence.”

Bonitas Medical Fund continues to strengthen its core metrics when compared to its peers in the open schemes market. For example, its average beneficiary age is 31.5 compared to the industry average of 33.3. Non healthcare expenses stand at R126 per member compared to an industry average of R153.

Benefits for customers: 2013

Some key highlights in 2013 include a childhood illness benefit under which GP consultations for young children aged between 2 and 12 will be paid from risk and the number of consultations will vary by option. There will also be increases in chronic limits, a new programme for international benefits and a new mother and baby programme.

On the primary option, Bonitas has increased its oncology benefit to R120

000 and Bon Comprehensive members will enjoy new benefits concerning preventative care and cochlear implants.