A significant development towards addressing the country’s fragmented health system and ensuring universal health coverage for all, we acknowledge the various debates, objections and threats of legal challenges, including support around the Bill.
However, as the regulator we would appeal to all sections of the medical scheme’s role players and members not to panic or cause widespread speculation.
The CMS understands that the National Health Insurance Act, 2019, and takes effect on a date fixed by the President by proclamation in the Government Gazette. Further, subject to Section 57 of the Bill, different dates may be fixed in respect of the coming into effect of different provisions of this Act.
Importantly, Section 57 of the Act states that NHI will be gradually phased in using a progressive and programmatic approach based on financial resource availability.
Against this background, the Medical Schemes Act and its regulations still applies, and we call upon all members of medical aids not to abandon or cancel their membership. CMS assures the industry that it will continue to engage and offer support to the private health-care industry on any regulatory risks identified.
Due to the ongoing public debate, CMS will be publishing communique pertaining to regulatory framework and compliance for medical schemes.
ISSUED BY THE COUNCIL FOR MEDICAL SCHEMES
