The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has thrown its weight behind President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent signing of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill into law.
However, the council has urged all medical aid members not to abandon or cancel their memberships.
According to CMS, signing the bill into law was a key step in addressing the country’s fragmented health system and ensuring universal access to healthcare for everybody.
“We acknowledge the various debates, objections, threats of legal challenges, and support around the bill,” said CMS.
No need to panic
“However, as the regulator, we would appeal to all sections of the medical schemes’ role players and members not to panic or cause widespread speculation.”
The council stated that it understood the National Health Insurance Act of 2019, which goes into effect on a date determined by the president through a proclamation in the Government Gazette.
“Further, subject to Section 57 of the bill, different dates may be fixed in respect of the coming into effect of different provisions of this act.
“Importantly, Section 57 of the act states that NHI will be gradually phased into using a progressive and programmatic approach based on financial resource availability.”
Regulations still apply
The medical aid schemes council said that its support for the bill being signed into law stems from Section 57 of the act, which says the Medical Schemes Act and its regulations still apply.
“We call upon all members of medical aid schemes not to abandon or cancel their membership.”
“They [the government] assured the medical aid scheme industry that they would continue to engage and offer support to the private healthcare industry on any regulatory risks identified.
“Due to the ongoing public debate, CMS will be publishing communications pertaining to the regulatory framework and compliance for medical schemes.”
Forum wants increased vigilance
Meanwhile, the Public Oral Health Forum demands increased vigilance and oversight by citizens, civil society, the government, and other key stakeholders over the implementation process of the NHI after the elections.
“The Public Oral Health Forum reaffirms its unwavering support for the NHI and pledges to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure its effective implementation,” said Dr Bulela Vava, the president of the forum.
“We call upon all sectors of society to rally behind this transformative initiative, as together, we pave the way towards a healthier, more prosperous future for all South Africans.”
