HIV/AIDS Benefit Management
What HIV/AIDs benefits are available for Bestmed members?
Bestmed covers counselling and testing of members who suspect they may be HIV positive or who would like to rule out that they are infected with the virus that causes HIV/AIDS. Bestmed has contracted One Health Managed Care to perform these services. Benefits for members, who are HIV positive, cover a spectrum of services. These include advice and counselling that are available during business hours from the HIV helpline (see details below). Regular blood tests to follow the course of the disease and to measure the response to treatment, as well as medication and anti–retrovirals (medicine specifically used to fight the virus) are also included. The treatment programme covered by the Scheme is based on the HIV/AIDS funding guideline and approved treatment depends on the clinical parameters of each individual. The stage of the disease and the results of blood tests determine what treatment will be covered and how the individual must be followed up. Cover is also provided for mother–to–child transmission in pregnancy and as post–exposure prophylaxis. Details can be obtained by contacting One Health Managed Care at the telephone numbers listed under contact details. Optipharm is the Designated Service Provider for dispensing anti-retroviral medication to Bestmed members.
How does a member qualify for these benefits?
To qualify for benefits, a member or dependant must register on the HIV programme. A member must forward a clinical summary to the Scheme that has been obtained from the treating doctor. This summary must contain the relevant history, clinical findings, results of the HIV diagnostic test as well as all the CD4 and viral load test results. Any additional results that have bearing on the clinical picture or the impact the disease has on the patient, have to be forwarded. Examples of such tests include full blood count, liver function tests, tuberculosis (TB) tests and specimens sent for microscopy. A HIV/AIDS application form can be obtained by contacting us (see the question on ‘more information’ below) or by downloading the form – click here
Where can one get more information on HIV matters and related queries?
For enquiries relating to your treatment regimen, blood tests, disease management etc., please contact the HIV clinical team at:
After– hours clinical emergency number: 071 786 4520
For enquiries relating to the supply of your HIV medicine, please contact Optipharm at:
After– hours emergency number: 083 564 9978 |
