The cost of healthcare is probably one of the most hotly debated topics, particularly in a highly competitive industry where medical inflation outstrips normal inflation by far.
Consumers have a multitude of choices regarding healthcare funders – and as many choices around the options available within each of these funders. The first decision that comes to mind is whether a healthcare funder is reliable, affordable and financially stable and whether it offers a suitable option to meet specific individual needs.
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Add to this the fact that in South Africa only about seven million people of the population of some 47 million belong to a medical scheme, and the dynamics of managing healthcare become evident.
So how do you manage all of this?
“By providing members with a product offering that suits their individual needs and their budget,” says BESTmed Chief Executive Officer Dries la Grange.
In addition, the regulations of the new Medical Schemes Act of 2000 permanently impacted on the delivery of private healthcare services. A primary objective of the law was to make private healthcare more accessible to everyone. However, this has had a direct effect on the financial stability of all medical schemes.
“We have taken up the challenge and have ensured that we remained at the forefront of this process. We introduced managed healthcare strategies suitable to the changed environment. In today’s fast-moving world you cannot give consumers what you may think they need – they know exactly what they want.”
As a forward-thinking company we take the needs of our members to heart – and provide services accordingly. Our re-evaluated focus and repositioning ensures that we meet our members’ healthcare needs – ensuring their peace of mind and personal well-being in the long term,” says La Grange.
A heritage of providing
BESTmed has been in operation for 43 years and as a mutual, non-profit medical scheme, provides healthcare peace of mind to about 34 000 families or more than 86 000 lives – in many cases second-generation dependants who have opted to become principal members.
BESTmed’s administration cost is still one of the lowest in the Industry whilst independent surveys prove that its members experience high satisfaction levels in terms of the service rendered – BESTmed is one of the fastest paying schemes in the industry.
Its track record has gained itself major clients like the University of Pretoria, UNISA, the Vaal University of Technology, the South African Bureau of Standards, the Medical Research Council, Yara South Africa , MEDUNSA, Europ Assistance, La Farge Cement and the Iziko Museum of Cape Town.
Founded in 1964 to cater for employees of statutory organisations, it was originally known as the Statutory Organisations Medical Scheme. In 1990, following a brand repositioning initiative, the scheme targeted membership from the broader private sector –- and BESTmed was born.
Changes in the industry
La Grange says there have since been a number of changes in the medical scheme industry that have made it more difficult for private medical schemes like BESTmed to recruit large numbers of new members.
“Our most important goal is to grow our membership in an industry where numbers are shrinking.
“Our Board of Trustees has considered many ways of overcoming this challenge, and decided that a partnership with a large financial institution would give our members the long-term security they want from the scheme. Discussions were held with several partners over the past few years and we evaluated Sanlam’s offer against strong alternatives in a thorough tender process.
“The trustees are confident that the transaction with Sanlam firmly positions us as a medical scheme with a long-term future in the South African healthcare environment. The deal is subject to final approval by our members with a majority vote in favour of the transaction.
“As far as membership growth is concerned, this alliance makes an enormous difference. BESTmed will benefit from Sanlam’s nationwide network of financial advisors and brokers. Being part of the Sanlam brand will also enhance our prominence and marketability and should lead to a strong growth in membership.”
Proud of employment equity
Entrenched in South Africa’s new democracy, La Grange is proud of BESTmed’s employment equity.
“Since 2000 we have made huge strides in this field. Over 35 percent of all staff fall within the black people category, 94 percent in the designated group category, while 80 percent of employees in the accelerated development programme are black.”
“We have a BEE preferential procurement strategy in place as well as a social economic development plan that focuses on underprivileged individuals.”
“We are confident of our financial position and our knowledge and human resource capacity. We are in a good position to see growth, not just organically but also through mergers and acquisitions, which will make us a stronger player in the health sector,” says La Grange.
The BESTmed offering
BESTmed`s well-priced, value for money products cater for all income groups across different industry segments. The benefit options range from capitation products and hospital plans to comprehensive and classic cover.
All the options cover hospitalisation at 100 percent of the contracted fees, and no co-payments and annual limits are applicable. Some of these uniquely structured benefit options also include a savings account for any excesses.
The scheme also offers a unique reward programme to its members. This innovative programme is designed to bring members day-to-day benefits, rewards and recognition, whilst encouraging them to change their health and wellness behaviour, and ultimately the scheme strives to provide a ‘delighted customer’ experience.
The scheme’s competitiveness is maintained via managed healthcare initiatives such as disease management programmes and pre-authorisation for hospitalisation.
These are achieved by identifying high risk members and managing their health in a cost-effective way through a variety of value adding programmes.
Part of the deal is BESTmed’s exceptional service, which includes on-site enquiry services, product training services, informative sessions for new employees and management information services.
Add to this administrative assistance to human resource departments, access to actuarial services, health and lifestyle assessment, risk profiling, hosting corporate health and information days and annual health assessments for executive management, and it becomes clear why BESTmed is a healthcare home to more than 90 000 lives.
A socially responsible corporate citizen
BESTmed’s corporate social investment strategy is based on four pillars - health, education, sports development and socio-economic upliftment.
Corporate Affairs General Manager Alan Fritz says Hospice and the Cancer Association are two of the scheme’s beneficiaries.
“Corporate health days, during which medical screenings are offered, are also sponsored with the aim of adding direct value to our participating members. We recently became involved in the development of an AIDS centre in Centurion, in Gauteng, where first aid kits and medical support are provided.”
“We also fund two black female golfers at the David Riddle Golf Academy and support the Westering primary rugby development programme. Staff initiatives include painting a children’s home in Cullinan and participating in the Cansa Shavathon during 2007.”
Fritz says the recent support of a careers exhibition at the University of Venda was a huge success.
“More than 24 000 learners from 285 schools visited the careers exhibition on the Univen campus. The aim is to enhance the exhibition with follow-up visits to individual feeder schools, particularly in the Vhembe district. Due to the success rate, the possibility of presenting the exhibition over two weeks instead of one is on the cards.”
“By being involved in communities where our members are represented, we believe we are fulfilling our vision of being the scheme of first choice to access quality healthcare,” says Fritz.
Human resource a BESTmed priority
Career and personal development is a human resource priority for BESTmed.
This is according to General Manager, Human Resources and Administration, Pieter van Zyl.
“We strive to develop our employees holistically, ensuring that each individual’s goals are compatible with the goals of the company. The upgrading of skills through an education programme is a motivating factor for our staff. We also aim to attract and retain competent employees through our recruitment process.”
Van Zyl says employees are encouraged to attend motivational talks and cross-cultural team building programmes.
“First and foremost training programmes and initiatives are aimed at general staff and their upliftment. Courses with the University of Pretoria are offered to middle management, while international exposure such as attending relevant conferences or executive development programmes is provided to senior management.”
“It is about investing in people in the long term to benefit the business. In line with the principles of a balanced scorecard, the company requires training to be every line manager’s responsibility,” he says.
“Staff are requested to nominate themselves for an 18 month accelerated development management programme. Those who are selected for the programme receive specialised life skills, industry and process training. While most of the training is external, the scheme also provides internal training.”
“Investing in staff ultimately reflects on the service to members – we believe the dividends are plentiful,” says Van Zyl.
Where to find BESTmed
Contact BESTmed on 086 000 2378 or visit BESTmed
Gauteng 080 028 7633
Free State 086 010 5153
Western Cape 086 010 5154
Port Elizabeth 086 010 5156
East London/Mthatha 086 010 4950
KwaZulu-Natal 031 267 1528
Mpumalanga 086 010 4950
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