THE Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ)
has called for an urgent meeting with stakeholders following a request by
medical aid societies to increase tariffs by up to 400 percent.
In a statement yesterday, AHFoZ said it was still assessing
the impact of these increases, as it is barely three months since the recent
fees review.
“A number of the providers have also approached the
association to submit requests for additional or new increases to the current
tariffs for various reasons. The increases range between 50 percent and 400
percent,” read the statement.
“This follows soon after the recent upward review by 40
percent and 30 percent. Regrettably, the contributing medical aid members and
employer groups had to bear this increase.”
“Judging from member
feedback, another round of contribution increases so soon would be unaffordable
for medical aid members, employer groups and health funders. The association
would like to urge all medical aid members to carefully consider any
alternative options that may be available with the assistance of their health
funders, when faced with difficulties in accessing services.”
Three months ago, service providers approached AHFoZ with a
request to increase tariffs by 30 and 40 percent of fees payable by AHFoZ
members to medical professionals and private hospitals units respectively.
AHFoZ agreed to review the proposed tariffs upwards given
the economic challenges.
Despite the increase, medical aid subscribers are paying
more through shortfalls whenever they visit doctors.
“The Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ)
notes with concern that most service providers and health institutions have
introduced or continue charging members co-payments and/or shortfalls for
services rendered.
“AHFoZ therefore proposes that an urgent meeting of all
concerned stakeholders be convened in order to find a workable solution so that
patients continue accessing the required healthcare services,” read the
statement.
According to AHFoZ, medical aid societies have been
receiving numerous complaints from their members and employer organisations
over the initial increases in contributions as salaries are not going up.
Chronicle
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