2018
The 'side-effects' of HIV
December is HIV and AIDS awareness month and, while most of us know the basics about this disease, not all of us have heard of the other conditions that might occur alongside HIV.
read article >>
We can help you spend less on medicine
Keep your cell phone on hand when you are at the pharmacy! The moment your pharmacist submits your medicine claim electronically, our real-time Medicine Management system checks if there’s a cheaper alternative for you
read article >>
Why do we need pre-authorisation?
We ask you in many instances, before accessing a benefit, to call us for authorisation prior to a planned healthcare event. This could be a hospital stay, a procedure performed in a doctor’s room, the purchase of medical appliances or other healthcare services.
read article >>
Walk-In Centre closures and 2019 Benefit Guide
The traditional Walk-In Centres, which were located at the Discovery offices in Sandton, Centurion, KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Town, have been closed. If you need to meet with a consultant face-to-face, you can contact your employer to ask about our Client Liaison Officer’s (CLO) next visit to your workplace.
read article >>
2019 contributions and benefits
As the end of the year approaches, there is key information worth noting as a member of AMS. To keep you updated, we have included an overview of contributions and benefits for 2019, including reminders for your plan change deadline and an update on the 2019 Benefit Guide.
read article >>
All about your dentures
Dentures are commonly known as false teeth and are defined as a prosthetic device. As with all prosthetic devices, careful mental preparation, physical adjustment, and necessary maintenance are required for long-lasting and problem free dentures
read article >>
Baby on the way – what do you need to do as a member of AMS
When you fall pregnant, a million things go through your head. You already feel overwhelmed with questions about both your and your baby’s health, the financial implications of raising a child and the future of your family – so we do understand that medical aid matters might not be at the top of your list.
read article >>
Year-end presentations
As scheduled every year in November, your Client Liaison Officer will present the 2019 changes for your plan at our year-end presentations.
read article >>
If you terminate your AMS membership – can you re-join later?
We occasionally see that pensioners terminate their AMS membership for various reasons. In some cases, these individuals reapply for membership after some time. Please be aware that, due to the restricted nature of the Scheme, you can only (re)apply for AMS membership if you are an active employee (not a retiree) of one of our participating employers – regardless of whether you were a member previously.
read article >>
National Health Insurance
At the end of June, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi gazetted two bills for public comment: The National Health Insurance Bill (NHI) and the Medical Schemes Amendment Bill. These are the first regulatory changes towards reaching the overall goal of delivering Universal Health Care (UHC) to all South Africans as set out in the National Development Plan (NDP).
read article >>
Thanks you for your feedback! Results of our digital communication survey
We recently asked you, our members, for your opinion on digital Scheme communication. We sent a survey to all the members that had provided us with their email addresses – which is 70% of our membership.
read article >>
Have you received your AMS tax certificate?
We sent your tax certificate at the beginning of June. If you have not received it yet, please update your contact details with the Call Centre or in the member log-in on www.angloms.co.za. To get your tax certificate, download it from the member log-in or call us on 0860 222 633.
read article >>
Make your medical emergency information available when you can't speak
If you, your children, your parents or other loved ones have a medical condition, you should ensure that first responders or medical staff know of them, especially if the patient can’t speak.
read article >>
Burn injury prevention: stop, drop and roll
For healthcare professionals, the winter months are commonly known as ‘burns season’. It is the time of year when the number of burn-related injuries could spike as people increasingly use open fires, paraffin, gas and electric heaters to stay warm.
read article >>
Annual General Meeting report
The Scheme held its 49th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 23 May 2018 in Johannesburg. The Chairman, Colleen Elliot, reported on the financial performance during 2017.
read article >>
Reliable and efficient services from AMS when "life happens"
I spoke to you last week with a question about my wife’s authorisation. Within a few minutes of our call, a member of your staff reverted to me on the authorisation of her procedure and the matter was sorted out immediately for which I thank you.
read article >>
Millions lost to fraud which should have been used to pay valid claims
Industry experts say that fraud in the medical scheme industry costs members anything between R10 billion and R20 billion per year, making fraud, waste and abuse one of the main drivers of healthcare inflation.
read article >>
50 years of AMS - Trustee's view
Medwyn du Bois, one of our employer appointed Trustees, is currently the longest-serving Trustee on the board of the Anglo Medical Scheme. MediBrief asked Medwyn to reflect on 50 years of AMS and his time with the Scheme.
read article >>
Make the most of your dental benefits
When it comes to your teeth, AMS Rules and benefits focus mainly on preventative and basic dentistry. Most of the specialised dentistry costs are to be funded by the member.
read article >>
2017 tax certificates
Your tax certificate will soon be on its way to you - either by post or email, depending on your communication preference.
read article >>
Possible out-of-pocket expenses for out-of-hospital endoscopy and cataract procedures
The Scheme implemented a rule in 2017 requesting members undergoing an endoscopic procedure (gastroscopy or colonoscopy) or a cataract procedure, to consider having the procedure done in a day clinic or, where appropriate, in the doctor's rooms to prevent a co-payment.
read article >>
The 49th Annual General Meeting
We look forward to seeing you on 23 May 2018 at 10h00 in the Auditorium, 18th floor, 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg.
read article >>
50 years AMS – member memories
"What a wonderful achievement!!! 50 Years and still going strong. Where other family members of mine are battling, our Medical Aid has always helped us when in need."
read article >>
Your assistance is needed for us to pay your claims efficiently
Please always remember to send us proof of payment when you have paid for healthcare services yourself. If you don’t, our administrator will automatically pay the provider.
read article >>
Healthcare technology and digital medicine - your doctor in your pocket
Medicine has changed drastically over the 50 years of our Scheme’s existence and we are expecting a lot of movement in healthcare technology in the next couple of years.
read article >>
Are you looking for a dentist on the Scheme's new network for Standard Care Plan?
To avoid co-payments for dental services, SCP members should use a provider on the Dental Risk Company (DRC) Network.
read article >>
50 years AMS – member memories
"When I married my husband in May 1970, he was already working at Anglo Research Labs & thus a member of AMS. He passed in Dec 2009 but as his widow I am also a member for life. How much better could that be?"
read article >>
Update your 'flu anti-virus programme'
Flu sounds harmless. Maybe a couple of days in bed – worst case. You might develop a sudden fever, a runny nose, sore throat, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain.
read article >>
Antibiotics – Handle with Care!
Antibiotics are supposed to be our back-up plan to treat bacterial infections. Unfortunately, we used this back-up plan too quickly and too often in the past and bacteria have adapted and become antibiotic-resistant.
read article >>
Save the date for the 49th AGM
Our forty-ninth Annual General Meeting will take place at 10h00 on 23 May 2018 in the Auditorium, 18th floor, 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg.
read article >>
Netcare 911 – Designated Service Provider
Netcare 911 is our Designated Service Provider. If you voluntarily choose to use another ambulance service, you will incur a co-payment.
read article >>
Disputes Committee nominations
During the AGM members elect the Scheme's Disputes Committee. The Disputes Committee is an independent committee that hears and settles disputes between the Scheme and a complainant are settled, should they arise.
read article >>
50 years of Anglo Medical Scheme
In 2018 we are celebrating 50 years of Anglo Medical Scheme's existence! This is a milestone worth recognition, considering that only a third of the schemes that existed in 1968 are still around today.
read article >>
Standard Care Plan (SCP) members to use a dentist on the DRC network
As previously announced, the Scheme has contracted DRC (Dental Risk Company) to provide basic dental services, managed through a network of dentists, for all Standard Care Plan members. Members are required to consult with a DRC Network General Dental Practitioner.
read article >>
Do you know your Trustees?
As we had a few changes on our Board during the last year, we would like to use this opportunity to re-introduce your Trustees. This month we would like to introduce you to Bridget van der Bijl and Joe Coetzer.
read article >>