05/03/2020
PRESS RELEASE
Chairperson: Dr C. Mini Chief Executive & Registrar: Dr S Kabane
Block A, Eco Glades 2 Office Park, 420 Witch-Hazel Avenue, Eco Park, Centurion, 0157
Tel: 012 431 0500 Fax: 086 206 8260 Customer Care: 0861 123 267
Information@medicalschemes.com www.medicalschemes.com
Reference: Corona Virus
Contact person: Ms Grace Khoza
Tel: (012) 431 0430/ 071 606 7366
E-mail: g.khoza@medicalschemes.com
Date: 5 March 2020
Press Release 3 of 2020: Medical schemes and the coronavirus
The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) is concerned by the global spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), particularly
that the epidemic is being fuelled by human-to-human transmission.
“Of concern is the fact that the virus can be spread by individuals who show no symptoms of the infection,” said Dr Sipho
Kabane, Chief Executive and Registrar of CMS.
“We, therefore, encourage all who have travelled to areas with confirmed cases, or have come into close contact with
someone who has travelled, and thereafter experience flu-like symptoms and a fever, to seek immediate medical attention,”
continued Dr Kabane. Medical scheme members are encouraged to contact their medical schemes on their benefit option
entitlements if they experience flu-like symptoms. All testing for the coronavirus should be referred to State laboratories
and not private labs, as advised by the Department of Health.
“As the virus progresses it may result in various complications, such as pneumonia and respiratory failure which then,
should be treated as Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) level of care,” said Dr Kabane. In cases of uncomplicated infection
where there are no PMB-eligible conditions, the medical scheme may fund all health care costs as per scheme rules.
High-risk individuals — members with pre-existing conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, asthma, cancer, HIV and
other immunosuppressive conditions — are urged to keep up with their routine medication and screenings. Individuals over the
age of 50 and children under the age of 10 years are also encouraged.
“All medical schemes are required by law to pay for the diagnosis, treatment and care costs of PMB conditions in full
irrespective of plan type or option. They are not allowed to fund PMB conditions from a member’s Medical Savings Account,
as this is not in line with the PMB Regulations,” concluded Dr Kabane.
PMBs are a set of defined benefits to ensure that all medical scheme members have access to certain minimum health
services, regardless of the benefit option they have selected. They are a feature of the Medical Schemes Act of 1998,
and medical schemes have to cover the costs related to the diagnosis, treatment and care.
Chairperson: Dr C. Mini Chief Executive & Registrar: Dr S Kabane
Block A, Eco Glades 2 Office Park, 420 Witch-Hazel Avenue, Eco Park, Centurion, 0157
Tel: 012 431 0500 Fax: 086 206 8260 Customer Care: 0861 123 267
Information@medicalschemes.com www.medicalschemes.com