Still no solution to BOMaid tariff saga

MARANYANE NGWANAAMOTHO
Staff Writer | Thursday June 28, 2012 00:00

Under this model, patients pay the difference between what the medical aid's set prices and new prices that service providers have now set for themselves. Mabaila noted that she is one of those who have implemented the new model.  However, there has been a huge difference in the prices, since the increase is very minimal. 'You will find that we have increased by P5 here and there which does not make a huge difference from what the medical aid offers,' she said in an interview.  'Even though we have increased prices they are at the same level as those of BPOMAS, who have the highest tariffs compared to other medical aids around,' she continued.

She said with the slight increase in prices, she has not received any complaints from her patients. 'Patients are informed about the model at the reception and I have not heard complaints from them,' she stated. Dr Anthony Sibiya, the Medical Practitioner Group (MPG) chairman and specialist surgeon has confirmed that the model has been implemented despite ongoing negotiations with the medical aid.

'Most service providers have implemented it and there have been no problems because most patients understand what has been going on,' he said.  Meanwhile, BOMaid has stated that it is not at liberty to discuss the issue of tariffs, owing to the ongoing negotiations with private health service providers. 'We will not comment on the issues about private healthcare tariffs with the media,' said Thulaganyo Molebatsi, Business Development Manager at BOMaid.

'However, I can confirm that through the appropriate channels, BOMaid has communicated clearly with its members and is continuing to do so with regards to any developments taking place in the private health care industry,' he said.  BOMaid is at a stand off with its health service providers over tariffs, which service providers describe as the lowest and most unfavourable in the Southern region. They claim there has been a rapid decline in earnings over 10 to 15 years due to lack of inflationary adjustments to tariff rates, short payments, non-payments, late payments, inconsistent payments, interest free credit policy with no obligation on medical aid societies to pay. On the other hand, the medical aid is of the belief that they have offered tariffs higher than those of South Africa. They are opposed to the balance billing model, explaining that it kills the society's goal, which is to bargain for better prices with service providers on behalf of patients.