Pensioner Presentations in November and 2015 Benefits and Contributions
Yet again, great value for money for AMS membersAccording to current market information, South African medical schemes are increasing their contributions for 2015, with some up to 12.8%. This compensates for CPI (Consumer Price Index) and medical inflation resulting from higher costs for hospitalisation, medication and health care providers.
Even though our membership is older than the South African medical scheme average - and usually older members have higher health care needs - Anglo Medical Scheme is able to keep contribution increases to CPI (6.5%), which we believe will be lower than most salary increases.
How can AMS afford this?
You as a member benefit from great value for money, through lower than industry increases, with enhanced
benefits for 2015. This is made possible as a result of the large reserves that AMS is holding. Well-managed
investments and interest earned has led to a surplus which allows Trustees to utilise R120 million to
finance
benefit improvements and to support lower contribution increases for 2015.
The biggest benefit improvements are:
- Standard Care Plan: The hospital limit, which was improved twice during the last two years, has now been removed in totality. From 2015 you will enjoy the same unlimited hospital benefits as Managed Care Plan members.
- Managed Care Plan: Your Medical Savings Account has been increased from 21% to 25% of your contribution. The additional 4% savings, which is R1 500 per adult beneficiary p.a., will be funded from the reserves.
But instead of increasing your contributions, the Scheme is in the fortunate position to be able to fund the extra from the reserves.
From 2015 AMS will fund one pneumococcal vaccine for Standard and Managed Care Plan members over the age of 55. A comprehensive overview of
your 2015 benefits will be available in your Benefit Guide. We will post this to you at the beginning of November hoping that the current
Post Office strike will be over by then. Nevertheless, your Benefit Guide, your statements and Medibrief are always available on the Scheme website.
Contribution increases for 2015
If your medical needs or income have changed, and you are considering switching plans, you may do so at the end of
the year. We recommend you speak to one of our Client Liaison Officers (CLOs) or your Paypoint Consultant for advice.
Your option change form is included in the back of the 2015 Guide and has to be handed to your employer or past employer
before 31 December if you want to change your plan for the coming year. Direct paying members submit their forms to the Scheme.
Year-end presentations
Be informed about the changes for 2015Employed members: Please find the dates for employee year-end presentations in your internal employer communication.
Pensioners are invited to attend the following presentations: