Once the NHI is fully rolled out, medical aids will only be allowed to cover top-up services that the NHI doesn’t pay for
25 August 2024 – 16:22 By Mia Malan
Section 33 of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act states that medical aids will be scrapped in their current form, as they won’t be allowed to cover the same services as the NHI. Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi emphasized that this provision will remain unchanged, even if it risks the government of national unity (GNU) in South Africa.
This shift towards NHI implementation signifies a significant change in the healthcare landscape, as medical aids will have to adapt to providing supplementary services rather than duplicating what the NHI covers. This move aims to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all South Africans, regardless of their financial status.
As the country continues on its path towards universal healthcare, it is crucial for stakeholders to understand and support these transformative changes for the collective health and well-being of the nation.