Thursday, 28 March, 2024
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GEMS expects to spend around R900m on beneficiaries with COVID-19

The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) actuaries estimates that it will spend around R900m for the care and treatment of GEMS beneficiaries who will contract COVID-19, says an IoL report. All of the above spend will come from the risk fund and as stated above and will not affect the members’ day to day benefits or savings. Yet another way that GEMS gives back to its members during these difficult times.

GEMS now funds all clinically appropriate care and related costs, including coronavirus related testing, in line with Circular 25 of the Council for Medical Schemes and in accordance with the Medical Schemes Act of 1998 read with the scheme rules. The effect of the development is that GEMS members can be assured that the COVID 19 outbreak will not affect their day to day benefits and savings.

GEMS has noted the increasing number of coronavirus cases in South Africa as reported daily by government through the National Department of Health.

“The scheme confirms its commitment to assisting our members to cope during the national lockdown period. The number of new infections reported daily has increased phenomenally with confirmed infections tipping the 1,000 mark as reported by the National Department of Health. Another significant development is that the first two cases of death resulting from COVID 19 were reported at the time of printing. We continue to urge all our members who might have come into contact with persons who are suspected to have the virus infection, travelled to areas with confirmed cases, or have come into close contact with someone who has travelled to high risk areas, and thereafter experienced symptoms, to seek immediate medical attention”, said Dr Stan Moloabi, GEMS principal officer.

[link url="https://www.iol.co.za/news/partnered/government-employees-medical-scheme-to-spend-r-900-million-on-covid-19-46966692"]Full IoL report[/link]

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