Value of Choice

"Anyone who has ever used medical aid in times of need will know that it is an invaluable lifeline. However, there are those who see healthcare cover as a "grudge purchase". This is why Momentum Health has made a concerted effort to provide its members with six "Value of Choice" innovations that are aimed at saving members money while improving their health and providing them with premier healthcare cover in times of need," says Lee-Ann du Toit, Chief Marketing Officer at Momentum Health.

"Momentum was the first medical aid in South Africa to introduce the Provider Choice innovation in 2004. Since then competitors have tried to follow suit because of its proven savings. Thanks to Provider Choices members and their families can save more than R8 000 a year, without sacrificing benefits, simply by making use of the Scheme’s associated service providers."

Members choose what they need

Du Toit explains that "Value of Choice" revolves around enabling the member to choose exactly what is needed in order to curtail unnecessary costs.

The Health Saver innovation offered by Momentum affords members flexibility by providing additional cover when savings run out. This allows Momentum Health to provide true value for money with low levels of savings for those on a tighter budget while making increased funds available to members requiring more comprehensive day-to-day benefits. Members can thus tailor their day-to-day funding to meet their individual needs.

"We do not only believe in saving members money now but have taken a proactive approach towards preventative healthcare as it safeguards the health of our members while saving both member and scheme money in the future. The Health Platform encourages members to have check-ups and screenings so that chronic conditions can be timeously detected. Health Platform also hosts what has been proven to be the best maternity programme in the country by far," asserts Du Toit.

Momentum has pioneered the concept of a Compliance Incentive™ Programme by rewarding medical aid members to participate in a healthy, active lifestyle with HealthReturns.

"As an adult on Momentum Health you can receive up to R1 800 every year by having your Health Assessments done, complying with treatment protocols and staying active. In 2011, instead of annual payments these members will receive quarterly payments of as much as R450 every three months. This benefit is available to all Momentum health members at no additional cost."

Loyalty and wellness programme

"We've also made it easy for members to remain fit and healthy with our loyalty and wellness programme and fifth innovation, Multiply, where members have access to our wide range of excellent wellness partners and benefits," says du Toit.

Despite the focus on savings and wellness, Momentum Health has never lost sight of the importance of convenience in the member experience. Du Toit enthuses that the Momentum MobiCard enables Momentum Health members to interact with the Scheme in a more convenient way than ever before. This unique cell phone application allows members to access essential medical aid and membership information from anywhere in the world, at any time.

"Momentum Health is entirely devoted to putting the power back in the hands of the member, personalising healthcare cover and keeping costs down. Our six "Value of Choice" innovations are proof that is indeed possible to do this," concludes du Toit.

(Momentum Health, October 2010)