Old Mutual Health Solutions Primary Care is bridging the gap in health and well-being for uninsured South African employees.
Did you know that a staggering 84 percent of South Africans currently rely on the public healthcare system because 16percent the population can afford medical aid membership? This sobering statistic from the National Department of Health (2016) is a stark reminder of the importance of innovative, affordable healthcare solutions.
Old Mutual Corporate, a leading provider of Employee Benefits, has stepped in to fill this critical gap in South African healthcare cover, empowering employees and businesses alike with the addition earlier this year of Old Mutual Health Solutions to its Employee Benefits suite. The first offering is an innovative and comprehensive health insurance package, underwritten and administered by GENRIC (a licensed non-life insurer in the Old Mutual group of companies). The offering aims to provide low-income earners with better access to quality private healthcare.
Humphrey Mkwebu, GM Employee Benefits Solutions at Old Mutual Corporate, says the range of products provide excellent cover to those who earn up to R30,000 monthly.
Mkwebu says: “Many of us in South Africa face challenges accessing proper healthcare. Only a handful can truly afford top-quality services. Since the full-cover medical aid options are not affordable for most South Africans, we urgently need to address the need for quality healthcare by the uninsured.
“It’s important to note that what we’re offering isn’t a medical aid and is not an alternative to a medical aid, it’s about broadening access. We want to bring quality private healthcare to those who might never have thought they could access it. We genuinely believe our service offers excellent value compared to other options.”
Outstanding Care at an Affordable Price
| Solution | Benefits | Costs |
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The main insured costs only R260 a month, with R280 levied for an adult dependant and R155 for a child. |
| Comprehensive Standard | Offers managed unlimited GP consultations, up to R750 000 in-hospital accident benefits per policy, up to R500 000 in in-hospital illness benefits per policy, unlimited acute and chronic medications and unlimited 24/7 private emergency services, among other benefits. | Costs R400 for the principal insured, R480 for an adult dependant and R215 for a child dependant. |
| Primary Standard Plus | Provides managed unlimited GP consultations, up to R1 million in in-hospital accident benefits per policy, up to R1 million in in-hospital illness benefits per policy, unlimited acute and chronic medications and unlimited 24/7 private emergency services, among other benefits. |
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Mkwebu points out that with every plan, members gain access to a Personal Health Advisor, a clinically trained professional available for telephonic consultations and advice around the clock. Members will enjoy unlimited telephonic counselling from a qualified clinical technician 24/7, covering everything from trauma guidance to general well-being and expert advice on COVID and HIV.
The plans also include 24-hour Emergency Medical Services, ensuring access to private emergency care when needed; financial support with accidental death benefits; and access to a primary healthcare nurse to support well-being.
Excellent Value for Employers
Mkwebu says, “For employers with low-income earners, such as retailers, manufacturers etc., there is a significant productivity benefit derived from providing health insurance to all their employees. It allows them to see a GP privately, receive the required medication, and return to work relatively quickly.”
The benefits derived from having a healthy workforce far outweighs the costs. Therefore, employers should consider subsidising health insurance products to help close the healthcare gap for their employees who are not covered.
“The offering provides access to quality healthcare for those who are currently relying solely on the public healthcare system. If Access to a private GP, getting some form of in-hospital benefits if someone gets injured, access to acute or chronic medication are important then this is the product for you at a value for money price point,” Mkwebu concludes.
