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According to the Council for Medical Schemes’ 2011/2012 annual report released in September 2012, a substantial amount of money was paid out in healthcare benefits in the 2011 financial year as compared to the previous year. The total contributions came up to R107.4 billion, of which R93.6 billion went to the benefits payout. The total benefits paid per beneficiary per month increased from R856.6 in 2010 to R923.7 in 2011.

 In light of this report, Bestmed Medical Scheme has undertaken to encourage people to adopt preventative healthcare measures to help them save costs in the long run, while helping medical schemes remain sustainable. In 2012, 65,389 Bestmed members were treated in hospitals and the benefits pay-out amounted to R878 708 870.17. The member average age of those admitted in hospitals was 44 years.

 “Most healthcare claims were resultant from manageable and preventable illness such as stress related and chronic illnesses – including diabetes as well as hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. The admission report shows a total of 1 023 female patients who were treated for Diabetes Mellitus 2 in hospitals and some were admitted repeatedly as a number of admissions totals 2 060. The most common factors that contributes to this type of diabetes and other lifestyle related diseases, are diet related as well as lack of regular physical activity,” says Dr Elsabe Hammann of Bestmed.

 To demonstrate their commitment to preventative healthcare, Bestmed announced its sport sponsorship programme which includes athletics and cycling at an event in Pretoria on the 9th April.

 Bestmed also unveiled the members of its three cycling teams that will participate in most of the on- and off-road races this year. In addition, the group announced its sponsorship of the University of Pretoria’s athletics team and JL van Zyl’s appointment as brand ambassador.

 Bestmed’s three cycling teams comprise the ladies professional, the mountain bike and social teams, with close on 60 riders. These teams have participated in various cycling events in the past three months, such as The Cape Argus, The Epic race and Tour de Boland and 18 riders from these teams will participate in the upcoming MTN Panorama Tour at the end of April in Mpumalanga.

 According to Alan Fritz, Bestmed’s Executive Head, the group selected athletics and cycling as these are activities that are accessible to everyone – young and old, as well as family units. “We believe that through these initiatives, people will be encouraged to opt for healthier and more active living. We take our wellness pillars, namely Be Active, Be Safe, Be Nutri-Wise and Be Happy, very seriously and will continue to educate our members and non-members to adopt these pillars as a guide to a long, healthy life.”

 Fritz adds, “When people begin living healthily at a young age, it becomes a way of life and reduces chances of being hospitalised and ultimately reduces the cost of medical expenses.”

Ends

More about Bestmed

With 49 years of experience under its belt and delivering healthcare benefits to more than 170,000 beneficiaries throughout South Africa, Bestmed is one of the oldest and most established medical schemes in South Africa and trusted as the scheme of choice to access quality healthcare.
 Bestmed now provides medical benefits to second–generation dependents who have opted to become principal members.  The company is one of the few schemes in South Africa that has succeeded in keeping its administration service levels close on 87%, and is one of the fastest paying schemes in the industry.
 Based in Pretoria, Bestmed has representation in most of the country’s provinces. The scheme has nine benefit options that serve the total healthcare market.

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF BESTMED
For further information please contact:
Sasja la Grange: Corporate Communications Manager – 012 472 6470 / 086 033 3838
Email: sasjalg@bestmed.co.za
Website: www.bestmed.co.za

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