Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas said, ‘The Scheme performed well in a volatile market, attributable to proactive risk management and prudent board decisions. A positive offshoot of the pandemic was an increased appreciation of the importance of medical aid cover, which resulted in better-than-expected member retention and a 2.3% membership growth since January.’

Contribution changes

‘We have taken a strategic decision to utilise approximately R600m of reserves to ensure that 82% of members receive a below CPI contribution increase for the 2022 benefit year. The innovative Benefit Booster equates to an increase in day-to-day benefits for members ranging from 16% to 32%, depending on the members’ plan. We believe it is the largest increase in benefits ever seen in the medical aid industry.’ 

Plans

There will be a total of 15 plans for the year ahead comprising traditional, savings, hospital, edge (virtual), network and income-based plans, each carefully crafted with a specific mix of benefits to appeal to various target markets.

Increases range from minus -7.9% to 6.5%. Bonitas has opted to increase its options which are currently in a growth phase – BonSave, BonFit and BonEssential – by only 3.6%.

Sustainability and affordability

The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) recommended increases in line with CPI of 4.2% with the caveat that financial stability and sustainability of schemes must remain a priority. We feel that the use of part of our reserves to cushion members against increasing costs is an appropriate strategy. 

The average weighted contribution increase across all plans is 4.8% with the BonStart premium decreasing by 7.9%, which can be attributed to the low cost versus benefits ratio and the younger membership profile on the plan. The decrease in contribution is an industry first – as was the decision to offer BonFit Select at a 0% increase in 2020.

Top line changes

• An additional virtual plan, BonStart Plus, aimed at attracting a new profile of members through this diversified distribution channel and attractive pricing. Virtual care has proven a sound and reliable solution, locally and internationally, for improving access to quality healthcare and is now offered across all 15 Bonitas plans.
• The introduction of a new Oncology Management Programme that utilises a partnership between Medscheme Managed Healthcare and the South African Oncology Consortium (SAOC), to improve the coordination of care of oncology patients.
• Offering the back and neck programme – which has a 93% success rate – on a digital platform. The eDBC app is a technology-driven channel offering digital coaching solutions and home-based care to help improve pain and mobility. It includes a self-assessment, baseline progress checks and outcomes’ evaluation.
• Enhancements on the existing international travel benefit which includes a Covid-19 PCR test pre- and post-travel as well as a contribution of up to R1 000 for enforced quarantine.
• A new personalised wellness and lifestyle programme AMP is now available on the new Bonitas app. It allows members to access their health information. Biometric data, claims and wearable data are used to regularly update their health score while an avatar nudges them on best steps to boost their health. In addition, through a partnership with Nedbank AVO, members can access discounts and deals from over 7 000 merchants.

The way forward

The future for the Scheme remains: Quality healthcare for members; affordability of contributions and the financial sustainability of the Scheme. Our members remain at the heart of our interactions and we actively strive to find ways to amplify value and drive business development. 

Our focus on Care, Capability and Reliability encompasses not only providing our members with the tools and preventative measures to guard against chronic conditions but help us redefine healthcare for a new world. DM/BM

Picture of Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer