Genesis eyes review of medical aid rule

Genesis Medical Scheme is pushing ahead with its court bid for a review of the regulations that force medical aid schemes to pay in full for certain conditions.

Last year, Genesis approached the courts to force Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to review the prescribed minimum benefits. Genesis argued that the Minister does not have the power to impose the regulations and cannot dictate how medical schemes pay for treatment.

Motsoaledi was cited as a respondent in the court case but has indicated that he will not oppose the Genesis application. The Department of Health, meanwhile, is intending to change the regulations that ensure PMBs are paid for no matter the cost to medical aids.

Department spokesman Joe Maila said the amendments would be open to public comment. He would not detail the amendments. Several organisations including the Treatment Action Campaign have applied to become friends of the court - they are opposing Genesis's application. The High Court in Cape Town heard the groups' application yesterday and reserved judgment.

The Times, 19 June 2015