Court asked to compel Medical Scheme Council to implement low cost medical aid options

VAAL TRIANGLE - South Africa’s Board of Healthcare Funders is heading to court today to compel the Council for Medical Schemes to allow cheaper medical aid plans, or so-called Low-Cost Benefit Options (LCBOs). These affordable medical aid plans provide essential healthcare services but have faced delays due to government’s focus on the National Health Insurance scheme. The BHF is a non-profit company representing the interests of over 40 medical schemes, including the biggest in the country, like the Government Employee Medical Scheme (GEMS), BestMed, Bonitas, and more. According to a report by Business Tech, the board argues that the Low-Cost Benefit Options can be implemented immediately, benefiting millions of South Africans. However, the council maintains the delays align with long-term NHI goals. According to the report, LCBOs are pared-down medical aid packages that offer beneficiaries essential primary healthcare services at a much lower cost. The fight to get LCBOs rooted in official policy and regulations has been ongoing for a decade.