NHI a step closer to reality
Medical aid co-payments could be a thing of the past when the National Health Insurance (NHI) is implemented.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi briefed the media on the details of the proposed public healthcare system and changes to the way medical aid companies operate on Thursday.
Motsoaledi says in future medical aids could be forced to settle the entire amount, instead of patients being charged part of the fee.
"The first amendment is to abolish what has come to be known as co-payments. Co-payment means that the scheme pays a portion of the bill that a provider (hospital or private doctor) charges to patients. The rest of the money is supposed to be paid by the patient from their own pocket."
The department has tabled a total of ten amendments to the Medical Schemes Amendment Bill which includes doing away of medical brokers.
Mostoaledi defended the implementation of the NHI.
"The NHI will see the rich subsidise the poor, while the healthy subsidise the unhealthy and while the young subsidise the old."
While the exact manner in which the NHI will be funded remains unclear, Motsoaledi promised for quality healthcare for all South Africans.