Update on migration of pensioners to GEMS

The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) today announced that the migration of 16 000 pensioners from Medihelp to GEMS has proved most successful.

"At this stage we have received and processed more than 13 000 applications. This represents close on 70% of the pensioners concerned," noted Dr Eugene Watson, Principal Officer of GEMS. He added that the Scheme had been tremendously busy in order to ensure continuity of care for all the affected pensioners. "Over the past two weeks close on 80 000 interactions with pensioners have taken place, including outbound calls, the posting of enrolment packs and distribution of emails and SMSs to the pensioners," he added.

According to Dr Watson affected pensioners who had not applied to the Scheme before the 1 April 2012 application deadline need not be concerned as a 30-day grace period for late applications has been granted. The Scheme Rules currently provide for the backdating of applications by one month but do not permit backdating prior to 1 April 2012.

"Of major concern at this stage is the enrolment of members who have not yet sent in their applications or who the Scheme has been unable to reach," said Dr Watson. "We therefore urge all family members, caregivers and friends who know about the migration to assist these pensioners to register so that they may continue receiving the medicine and medical care they require."

"I wish to thank the GEMS team and all others who have been involved in the process for their tireless dedication in ensuring that the affected pensioners are enrolled with the Scheme timeously," concluded Dr Watson.