HouseCall 09/10

NOVEMBER HEALTH CALENDAR
Mental Illness Awareness Month
1	Africa Youth Day
7	National Children's Day
2-7	SADC Malaria Week
13	SADC Malaria Day
14	World Diabetes Day
25	International Day for the elimination of Violence Against Women
25/11 to 10/12	16 Days of Activism on No Violence Against Women

WHAT TO WRITE? WHAT TO WRITE?
You tell us...

Got some great topic ideas?
Well, don't be afraid to drop us a mail and tell us what you'd like us to cover in terms of articles and features - housecall@ thecheesehasmoved.com ♦

Control at your fingertips
Make use of our online facilities

Keep track of your membership and get an in-depth view of your claims history at www.medscheme.co.za

Register today with your name and membership number and have more control and peace of mind. To find out more about our benefits and options visit www.fedhealth.co.za ♦

OUR NEW CEO Katy Caldis
We are pleased to inform Members that the Board has appointed Katy Caldis as our new Principal Officer and Chief Executive Officer in succession to Jeremy Yatt who resigned earlier this year after nine years with Fedhealth to explore the opportunities for a LIMS (Low Income Medical Scheme) in India. Katy assumes the reins on 1 November, taking over from Peter Jordaan, the Channel Marketing Executive, who acted as PO/CEO after Jeremy's departure. The Board thanks Peter for his committed and competent stewardship in addition to carrying out his duties as CME.
Katy comes to us from Bonitas, which, like Fedhealth, is in the administration stable of Medscheme. At Bonitas she was the Business Development Director and Scheme Actuary. Prior to joining Bonitas Katy worked for the managed care arm of Medscheme as an actuarial consultant to a number of schemes including Bonitas and Sasolmed. She has previously worked for other major corporates, including Metropolitan Life, Southern Life Association and, in Harare, Southampton Assurance. Born in Zimbabwe and educated at Arundel School in Harare, she graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Business Science degree with Honours in Actuarial Science and Statistics and a Major in Economics. She was admitted as a Fellow of the Actuarial Society of South Africa in 1995. Katy is married with three children: her eleven year old daughter, Marica, and two sons, Milto (9) and Spero (4). She is a proponent of natural birth and advocates the nutritional benefits of organic food and alternative medicine. Her hobbies include NIA, yoga and organic gardening. She also has an adventurous streak. She did white water rafting on the Zambezi and this year rode in her first Argus cycle race and enjoyed it so much that she plans to ride again next year. In 1996 she fulfilled a lifetime ambition by taking a two year round the world backpacking trip with her husband, Mano. This adventure included five months absorbing the cultures of Asia and travelling in a second-hand Kombi around the huge land mass of Australia. Exploration of the Americas was interrupted when she fell pregnant with Marica and she and Mano had to return home. We wish Katy a long, happy and successful time with the Fedhealth family.♦

MORE EXPERTISE ON YOUR BOARD
The Board of Trustees, after careful consideration, has decided to amend the composition of the Board. This amendment will allow the Board to appoint two additional trustees to the board. The Board currently consists of 10 Trustees elected by the members of the Scheme. The proposed amendment will allow the Board to appoint 2 additional trustees to the Board bringing the total number of Trustees to 12. This will allow the Board to appoint Trustees with specific expertise onto the Board with full fiduciary responsibility. These appointments, once made, can be withdrawn at any time should the Board so decide. ♦
PRINCIPAL OFFICER MESSAGE
	As communicated in HouseCall! Issue No 9, the Fedhealth rate has been lowered from 300% of NHRPL to 200% of NHRPL on our lower options. However, cover for a number of procedures that are accident or injury related as well as natural maternity deliveries will remain at 300% of NHRPL on all options. NHRPL is a reference price list for health services, published by the Council for Medical Schemes, which is used as a guideline by medical aids to determine their rate of re-imbursement. Healthcare professionals do not have to charge according to this reference price list but can determine their own tariffs. Let's look at the implications of these new reimbursement rates on your cover. It is important to note upfront that the cover for your hospital stay will not be affected by the change in reimbursement rates. Your hospital bill, which includes accommodation, use of operating theatres and hospital equipment, medicine, pharmaceuticals and surgical items,
will always be covered in full. This is because the scheme has negotiated an agreed tariff with each hospital group upfront and is therefore not affected by the NHRPL rates. However, the only shortfall you may experience on your hospital bill will be when a co-payment is imposed for certain procedures. These co-payments are also dependent on the option you are on and are specified in the in-hospital benefit table in HouseCall! Issue No 9.

You're invited to attend a Fedhealth Member forum

It's that time of the year again, and we're about to embark on the regional member forums. This is an opportunity for all members who may have missed the Annual General Meeting in Johannesburg, to still have the opportunity to meet members of the Fedhealth Board and discuss issues relating to your medical aid.

Diarise These Dates!

Bloemfontein:
Date: 23 November 2009
Time: 17h15 for 17h45
Venue: Protea Hotel Willow Lake, 101 Henry Street
Willows
RSVP: Julie Keenan,
(011) 880 4308 or email before 17 November 2009

Johannesburg:
Date: 24 November 2009
Time: 17h15 for 17h45
Venue: The Wanderers Club, 21 North Street
Illovo, Johannesburg
RSVP: Julie Keenan,
(011) 880 4308 or email before 17 November 2009 ♦

DO IT ONLINE!

Haven't registered on the Medscheme website yet? Do it now and experience an easy way to check up on your claims and benefits.♦

Points of contact

If any of your contact details change, please notify us immediately by contacting the Fedhealth Customer Call Centre on 0860 002 153.

Alternatively, your new details can be faxed to
011 671 3647 or e-mailed to update@fedhealth.co.za ♦

The decreased tariff on the lower options could however have an effect on the bill from the treating specialists including the anaesthetist. The scheme will now only reimburse up to 200% of NHRPL and this may fall short of what the specialists charge. Medscheme Health Risk Solutions, Fedhealth's Managed Healthcare partner, reports that up to 80% of South African specialists charge a maximum of up to 185% of the NHRPL tariff. This means that in most cases you will not experience a shortfall on the specialist's bill.

We would like to recommend to our members that they discuss rates with their specialists beforehand. As mentioned, the NHRPL tariffs are not enforceable on healthcare professionals and they may determine their own rates. You therefore have the right to negotiate with your specialist a rate as close as possible to the reimbursement rate on your particular option.

As previously mentioned, it is important to remember that, in line with our philosophy to provide Real Medical Aid, a comprehensive list of procedures related to accident or injury, as well as natural maternity deliveries, will still be covered up to 300% of NHRPL on all options thus giving our members the peace of mind they have become accustomed to.

You would have noticed elsewhere in this edition that the scheme has appointed Katy Caldis as the new CEO and Principal Officer as from 1 November 2009. I am looking forward to working with Katy and wish her all the best in her new position. I would also like to thank our members for their support during my three months as Acting CEO and Principal Officer. ♦

THE FEDHEALTH HOSPITAL
PRE-AUTHORISATION SYSTEM

Everything you need to know

Thank you to those memebers who provided valuable feedback in the quarterly Fedhealth service level tracking study on the IVR system. Your feedback enables us to make enhancements accommodating the many variances and requests dealt with by the system daily.

We understand that at the time of using the system to request hospital authorisation for yourself or a loved one you may very possibly be emotionally strained or distressed. We have therefore aimed to comprehensively guide you through the process in an attempt to make your call seamless, and to relieve you in advance of any additional stress that could occur.

What is an IVR/Speech recognition system?
IVR is a self-service application allowing callers to enter/ state information that is then captured on the system and presented to the clinical consultant when the call is transferred. It also enables self-service after hours and on weekends.

THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE IVR:

New hospital pre-authorisation
Request this option should a new hospital pre-authorisation be required.

Authorisation status request
Request this option if you have already received your reference number but need to know the outcome of the request, in other words the current status.

Please note, with regards to psychiatric admissions, if you have already received a reference number the request is further managed by our Case Management department. Please send an e-mail to updates. cpt@medscheme.co.za with the reference number in the subject field to enquire about the current status.

Case management
Case managers from the various hospitals mainly use this option when an update to an existing hospital stay is required.

Pre-authorisation enquiry
This option is to be selected when you require general information or want to make a change to an existing authorisation. The general information is not related to a specific authorisation but should be used when you need to clarify some information or require assistance.

When making a call to the service the sequence of information that will be requested by the system (in this order) is:
1. Are you a service provider?
2. What service do you require? (This is when you need to select one of the above options)
3. Your membership number
4. The patient's date of birth
5. Admission or treatment date
6. Facility practice code (Practice code of the facility, e.g. hospital, radiology unit, clinic, etc)
7. Treating provider practice code (Practice code of the provider, e.g. doctor, radiologist, etc)

If after hours: a member call back number must be provided.

Please have this information close at hand before making your call.

The IVR system will then provide you with a reference number and you will be transferred to a clinical consultant.

The clinical consultant will then also require the ICD codes and procedure codes as supplied to you by the system.

Helpful TIPS for using the IVR system

•	Try to speak naturally, ensuring that you reply to the specific question
•	When you are offered the list of options, you can interrupt the system. You need not listen to all options. If you know what your service selection is, immediately say 'New pre-authorisation', 'Authorisation status request', 'Pre-authorisation enquiry', etc without listening to the whole list
•	When saying numbers, for' "0" you can use 'zero', 'oh' or naught
•	When offered the list of options you can add more detail, for example:
	-	'New pre-authorisation for membership number 123'
	-	'New pre-authorisation for membership number 123 slash 02' - thus including the dependant code indicated on your membership card
	-	'Status request for reference number 123\ (supply only the numeric digits)
•	Recognition may be affected by sudden loud noises but when the system is unsure of what you said, it will ask for confirmation
•	If you don't know the answer to a specific request, you can say 'I don't have it' and the system will continue with the next question
•	When you have the option to leave a message, do not hang up before the system has responded, otherwise the message will be lost and we will not be able to call you back
•	When saying numbers like 000 ... or 55 ..., you can say triple zero or double five instead.

WE PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR FEEDBACK
After careful monitoring of the system we have since made many important changes to accommodate more variances and maximise ease of use.

Changes currently being investigated for implementation:

•	Allow members to use their membership or ID to retrieve their membership record
•	Assure callers that they will get to speak to a reviewer
•	Allow an option for callers to speak directly to a clinical consultant.

Fedhealth Hospital Pre-Authorisation
Contact Details
Sharecall number: 0860 103 951
E-mail address: authorisations.cpt@medscheme.co.za ♦
Operating hours: Monday - Friday 08h00 - 17h00.



IT'S YOUR HOLIDAY, PROUDLY DECLARE IT!


With December now being less than a month away, we're sure that Fedhealth members have already started excitedly planning for their holidays. Those fortunate enough to be making international travel arrangements need to be reminded of the following: in order to utilise the International Travel Assistance Benefit afforded to Fedhealth members by Europ Assistance, you have to notify Europ Assistance and declare your travel dates before leaving the country. Failure to do this results in any claim against this benefit being rejected. Europ Assistance can be contacted on (011) 991 8600 or by e-mail at assist@europassistance.co.za Upon confirmation of your travel details Europ Assistance will provide you with a policy document detailing the cover. ♦

MEASLES

Protecting your child
Measles, the most serious of the common childhood viral illnesses, has been doing the rounds in Gauteng. The condition commonly presents itself as a high fever, a general feeling of being unwell, coughing, a runny nose and teary eyes two to three days before a typical rash appears. Although there is no rash at the onset of the fever and flu-like symptoms, the patient is highly contagious before the rash appears.

With the current outbreak of measles in the country, Gauteng is the province hardest hit with the majority of cases reported nationally. Health facilities in the North West province have also been placed on high alert after six confirmed cases of measles were reported.

The spread of measles is easy as the early symptoms are similar to a cold. The measles virus is spread in droplets from the noses and throats of people with the virus. If someone sneezes and you breathe in the droplets, the virus infects the surface cells of your upper airways. The virus is also found in the urine and a person is infectious from about 3 days before the rash occurs to about 5 days after.

Mass immunisations are aimed at curbing the spread of the latest measles outbreak, while a simple blood test can confirm whether your child has the disease or not.

Early symptoms of measles to watch for
• Fever
• Runny nose
• A dry cough
• Red, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis).

Is your child at risk?
If your child has not been vaccinated nor had measles in the past, he or she is likely to contract the disease if he or she comes into contact with an infected person, since it is highly contagious. An uninfected person can get measles simply by breathing the air in a room where an infected person has been. The virus can live in the air for 2 hours after an infected person leaves a room.

Parents and caregivers must ensure children have received all their vaccines for the age of the child. If parents are unsure they should ask their local clinic. Measles immunisations are available free of charge from all public healthcare facilities.

Protecting Your Child

What about the vaccine?
The first dose should be given on or after the first birthday; the range is from 12-15 months. A dose given before 12 months of age may not be counted, so the child's medical appointment should be scheduled with this in mind.

The second dose is usually given when the child is 4-6 years old. However, the second dose can be given anytime as long as it is at least four weeks after the first dose.

Managing measles
Although measles is a serious illness, it usually follows a brief and predictable course so the majority of children can be managed at home, possibly with some supervision from a healthcare professional. Any complications will require a visit to your doctor or clinic for assessment and treatment. Some complications, such as severe croup, pneumonia, dehydrating diarrhoea or encephalitis, are emergencies that require admission to hospital.
Please consult your healthcare professional should you require more information on treatment

HAS YOUR CHILD BEEN VACCINATED? ♦

DIABETES

The lowdown on the sugar level

14 November is World Diabetes Day: with the facts in view and an eye on your blood sugar, diabetes need not be a debilitating condition. We've included handy hints for all diabetics. There is much that you can do to control your diabetes and make your life so much easier!

Be a fact finder. Knowing as much as possible is your best defence against diabetes. Find out how your body uses food and what role insulin plays in this process.

Do it three times a day. Never skip a meal or eat much later than usual. This can cause your blood sugar levels to drop and cause many unpleasant symptoms, the worst of which is a diabetic coma. Small, regular meals are preferable to one large one.

Get a grip on your weight. Remember that diabetes cannot be cured, but that you can control it very effectively. Having the correct weight goes a long way to making this condition manageable. Consult your doctor about healthy weight loss diets. Remember that a crash diet can be fatal.

Watch out for your eyes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people between 25 - 74. Diabetic retinopathy is a disease affecting the blood vessels in the retina (the back layer of the eye). Have regular eye tests and stick to your medication, diet and exercise routine.

Don't leave home without it. If you have Type 1 Diabetes and are insulin-dependent, you need to have insulin injections with you at all times - even if you are just going down the road to buy a loaf of bread. You also need to show friends and family how to inject you if you should become unable to do so yourself. Always have spare supplies if you are travelling.

Become a snack packer. To correct low blood sugar, you should always carry something sweet with you wherever you go. Raisins, fruit juice, soda (not sugar-free) or hard sweets like toffees, are good for this purpose. All of these should be taken in small amounts.

Become tagged. Wearing a medic alert bracelet is essential for all diabetics - it could save your life if you are in an accident of some sort or if you go into a diabetic coma.

Fat happens. Beware the hidden fats in things like sauces, stews, fried foods and pastries. Get into a habit of using low-fat or fat-free dairy products and vegetable oil spray rather than butter or margarine.

Become a regular with your GP. See the doctor frequently so that your condition can be monitored regularly. There is no point in taking chances with your health.

The test is best. Invest in a blood glucose monitor, a test strip and a lancing device. Use it regularly and you will always know how your body is coping. In this way you can always adjust your diet or your medication (with your doctor's permission of course) before things get critical. In the case of diabetes, prevention is always better than crisis management, as it prevents complications in the long run.

Don't hit the bottle. One glass of wine or one beer a day shouldn't do too much harm, but remember that alcohol is generally high in sugar content and that having one too many can play havoc with your blood sugar levels. A tot of whisky is probably the best, as it contains no sugar.

Chew on this. Have your teeth checked regularly. Diabetes can compromise your immune system, which fights off viruses and bacteria. Your mouth is a haven for bacteria and hence your teeth are at risk if you are diabetic.

Go nuts with fruits and vegetables. Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. When cooking vegetables, grill them and sprinkle them with spices, vinegar, garlic or lemon juice. These add almost no fat or calories to the meal. Strawberries and bananas are both good fruits to choose.

Get a move on. All diabetics need regular, fairly moderate exercise. It is much better to walk for half an hour every day than to do a once-a-week marathon gym session. The latter could in fact be harmful to your health.

Feet first. Choose the type of exercise that isn't hard on your feet. Blisters, cuts and foot infections can spell serious trouble for diabetics. Swimming is good, as is cycling, or even gentle walking.

If the shoe fits. Make sure that your shoes fit properly and that they are comfortable to walk in. The last thing a diabetic wants is an injury from an ill-fitting shoe. Infections or cuts in your feet can start off a chain reaction that can have serious long-term effects. Invest in well-fitting shoes, even if they are costly.

Go GI, Jane. The Glycaemic Index (GI) involves a ranking of foods based on their immediate effect on blood glucose levels. Foods with a low GI ("slow-release") do not over stimulate the pancreas to produce too much insulin. These foods include low-fat yoghurt, cereals, whole-wheat bread, fruit and vegetables and should be included in your diet regularly. Keep these in mind constantly.

What goes round need not come round. Many diabetics are very susceptible to viral infections, so have those flu shots before the winter sets in. Immunisations against other infections doing the rounds are also advised. Don't ignore that nagging cold that won't go away - take it to the doctor.

Chill out. High stress levels can cause hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar). A healthy diet and regular exercise can help to control this, but it might be wise to see a therapist and do some yoga classes in addition to this. Learn some de-stressing techniques.

Become your own lifesaver. Don't forget that you are dealing with a potentially dangerous disease here. Take your medication as instructed and don't skip meals or eat the wrong type of foods. By sticking to these things daily, you can control the disease instead of letting it control you.

Danger zone - sample only. Foods that have a very high sugar or fat content must be avoided. Only very small amounts of foodstuffs like nuts, chocolates, fried chicken, oily fish, shellfish and creamy desserts and cakes should be eaten.

Listen to your body. Learn to read the signs of dangerous blood sugar fluctuations - these include excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, weight loss, inexplicable moodiness, weakness and fatigue, nausea (Type 1 Diabetes); and in the case of type 2, all of the previous symptoms, as well as skin, gum and bladder infections, blurred vision, itching and tingling in the hands and feet.

Go the wholewheat way. Learn to eat lots of grains and wholewheat bread and carbohydrates in general. Stay away from fried starches such as potato chips.

Where there is smoke. Smoking generally increases your blood pressure. If you are diabetic, this could mean long-term circulatory problems could become more likely. Take steps to quit, however difficult it might be. ♦

HEALTHY MADE EASY

Quote for the month:
"Tell me what you eat - and I will tell you who you are" - Lecretius - 90 BC

We've all heard that old adage, but it's one that still rings true. We can never escape the trappings of our food choices, and our day is certainly governed by them. By taking a closer look at the meals we consume, and the way in which we consume them we can have a better take on the day ahead.

Breakfast remains perhaps the most important meal of the day and we are constantly reminded not to miss it, but let's take a look at why eating breakfast is so crucial:

	It has been scientifically proven that people who miss breakfast have a much greater incidence of obesity
•	This is not only because eating breakfast kick starts metabolism, but also because subsequent food and meal choices throughout the day differ radically for those who ate breakfast compared with those who didn't
•	Here's the scenario: missed breakfast - starving by eleven - "Oh that toasted sandwich with fries smells so darn good!"
•	Breakfast is a meal where it's simple to incorporate enough of your daily fibre, e.g. oat bran, all bran or wholegrain cereals
•	Eating a protein rich breakfast will enhance memory and concentration, essential in school kids!
•	Moods or rather mood swings are rife in those who miss breakfast. For example, eggs have high chromium levels; chromium being a mineral that plays a role in stabilising blood glucose levels, thus suppressing cravings. Eating the right breakfast therefore guarantees a more stable mood
•	Even immunity can be impaired when you miss breakfast.

	Three of your best breakfast options follow, and of course all are both LOW FAT and LOW GI (Glycaemic Index):
	-	Tinned baked beans on low GI toast
	-	Oats/all bran plus grated apple and cinnamon to flavour
	-	Eggs on toast: French toast/ omelette/ poached egg on rye.

Remember to always add your fruits; Papino is an especially great breakfast option!

Try your hand at the quick food fun quiz!
Which is highest in fat, Provita or Boudoir biscuit?
(Provita: 9% fat;Boudoir: 4,2% fat)

Which is highest in sugar, Coke or grapejuice?
(Both have an equal amount of sugar)

Which is better, olive oil or grapeseed oil?
(Grapeseed oil has a much higher flashpoint, making it more stable at higher temperatures)

Which gives the most effective energy profile, apple or watermelon?
(Apple, and especially green apples have a low GI. Watermelon has a much higher GI. Watermelon is best when consumed post exercise, apples can be consumed throughout the day for sustained energy)

What should I be drinking, wine or whisky?
(Both have benefits, but whisky is less likely to affect blood glucose levels and can be diluted much more than wine. Meaning that you can drink two tall whiskys throughout an entire evening, where you would possibly drink far more undiluted wine.)

Snacking rocks!
Well, provided it's the right kind of snack. Keep these close at hand at the office to safely get you through the day:
• Water with ginger or lemon slices/ iced tea
• Apple chips
• Frozen low fat yoghurt
• Popcorn (air-popped)
• Fruit platter
• Veggie sticks with hummus
• Dried berries.

The most common nutritional mistake
A failure to plan your meals and not keeping enough nutritious foods available when you need them most.

Summer's here, be proud of who you are through what you eat, make the right food and meal choices to reap real rewards! ♦

Contributed by Amanda Weber of Dietetic Consultancy cell: 083 302 5976 e-mail: dietaw@iburst.co.za

REAL RESPONSE
Here's your very own 'write in and be heard' section in HouseCall!

We feature this month's best letter in this column, whether it relates to a compliment, suggestion or complaint. We believe in listening to everyone, because this is how we improve our service to you, and we invite members to use this channel for general comments about the scheme, its products and services.

Send your letters to
Red Metrowich at
REAL RESPONSE, HouseCall!,
P O Box 3065,
Saxonwold
2132,
or
Fax 086 590 2876.
The e-mail address is: housecall@ thecheesehasmoved.com

I am a healthcare provider (a specialist) and joined Fedhealth Maxima Core over 2 years ago with my wife, the prime reason being that you covered 300% of NHRPL rates. As a doctor, I have a greater understanding of the pitfalls of medical insurance, the "we cover 100%" or "we provide full/comprehensive cover" promises which I hear patients repeat on a regular basis when in fact their schemes only cover a third (NHRPL or "medical aid" rates) of what most doctors charge (private rates or 300%).

To be told that our cover has dropped from 300% to 100% and without specific detail as to what procedures will be covered at what rate, one is again left in the dark until that fateful day when you lie in hospital to be told your scheme will cover only one third of the doctors' fees. Moreover reducing benefits from 300% to 100% I feel is a bit steep.

Please note that the cover has only dropped from 300% to 200% and not 100% as mentioned in the letter. Please see the Message from the Principal Officer in this edition for a comprehensive response.

- Editor. ♦

OUR EDITOR

If you want to make direct contact with your Board of Trustees, you are welcome to contact Red Metrowich who is a member of the Board at: HouseCall!
Postal address: P O Box 3065, Saxonwold, 2132 Fax: 086 590 2876, E-mail

The DEBATE
ON NATIONAL
HEALTH INSURANCE
(NHI)

In response to questions raised by members surrounding the current debate on NHI, HouseCall! publishes the following synopsis of the position of the Government, the Medical Schemes Industry and the Board of Fedhealth. We conclude with some concerns that have been expressed by Fedhealth and others.

The Government's standpoint
South Africa has a fragmented and inequitable healthcare system, with huge disparities between the public and private healthcare sectors in respect of accessibility, funding and delivery of health services. NHI is accordingly needed to transform the health system into an integrated, prepayment-based health financing system that will effectively and progressively promote the Constitutional right of all South Africans to affordable and quality health services.
It is the responsibility of the State to ensure the progressive realisation of the right to health for all that is premised on the objective of universal coverage. Moreover, it is important for health services to be funded in an equitable manner that promotes social solidarity.

The Medical Schemes Industry
The Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) advocates the participation of medical schemes within a South African NHI environment in a mutually beneficial and constructive manner with the State. BHF favours a model that will create a valuable transition mechanism where schemes can continue to offer greater or lesser additional benefit cover as the NHI backbone grows. The model allows for a continued and potentially greater role for medical schemes in the future but with the difference that medical schemes and their administrators may possibly collect contributions for NHI benefits from a State-run NHI Agency (as opposed to members) while continuing to collect contributions in respect of additional benefit cover from members.

The BHF model makes for a seamless health financing experience for members of medical schemes and a painless transition for them into NHI. It recognises and protects the Constitutional right of continued access to the same levels of care and quality of care they currently experience. People will not have to terminate their medical scheme membership.

The Fedhealth Board
The Board supports the concept of affordable, quality healthcare for all South Africans and accepts the basic tenets of the BHF model. Towards this end, members of the Board are actively involved in stating our scheme's position through channels provided by BHF (of which Fedhealth is a member with representation of two Trustees on the Board of BHF), other industry stakeholders and the media.

The Board will vigorously act to protect the rights of its members and to adopt strategies that will provide for the further growth of Fedhealth.

Some issues of concern:

•	A target date given in some government circles for legislative enactment of NHI by April 2010 is considered impractical
•	There is uncertainty on whether healthcare services will have a Single-Purchaser and a Single-Payer (either a government or private agent for profit or non-profit) system or whether there will be a Multiple-Purchaser and Multiple-Payer system (including schemes)
•	Whether the State can fund the extensive upgrading of State health facilities and working conditions, both financial and physical, that NHI will demand, with one proposal that health spend should rise from 11% to 15% of total public expenditure
•	The impact of a mooted earmarked tax that will see an additional tax burden on the 3.5 million registered taxpayers who are already paying for 83% of public healthcare. ♦

THE FACE OF FEDHEALTH BABY

Meet The Winners!

The August edition featured a call for all proud parents of babies between the ages of 3 - 7 months to enter their children in The Face Of Fedhealth Baby competition.

Brought to you by Fedhealth Baby, a free comprehensive support programme for all pregnant mothers, this newborn competition was an absolute success! The response was overwhelming, with our e-mail flooded with entries and photographs of the sweetest little tots.

Aside from their parents winning fantastic prices, the winners will also be proudly featured as The Face of Fedhealth Baby and be shown on promotional material for 2010.

Congratulations to these babies!
top - Janique Hannaford
middle - Shankari Jayakody
bottom - Justin Williamson
Parents, we hope you enjoy your prizes! ♦

DISCLAIMER: The opinions, advice and products contained in articles supplied by contributors other than employees of Fedhealth do not necessarily reflect the policy, rules or opinions of Fedhealth Medical Scheme.

TR1666

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