An extraordinary medicine price increase could add R1bn to medical schemes’ costs in 2027, after schemes submitted their budgets. The Health Department announced the additional 2.88% single exit price (SEP) adjustment on 30 September, effective from 1 October. It cited cost pressures for pharmaceutical manufacturers, including geopolitical tensions. The adjustment follows an earlier 1.47% increase in 2026. Although annual increases…
Tag: Discovery Health Medical Scheme
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GLP-1 Obesity Support Expanded by Vitality
Discovery Vitality is expanding GLP-1 obesity support as demand for anti-obesity medicines continues to rise among South African medical scheme members. The rewards programme says medication alone may not deliver lasting results. It is therefore adding doctor-led assessments to its HealthyWeight programme, alongside existing diet and exercise support. The assessment may result in a prescription for anti-obesity medication where clinically…
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Discovery Health Membership Growth and Challenges Ahead
Discovery Health Medical Scheme must recruit between 280,000 and 290,000 new members each year to maintain its current membership base. Discovery Health CEO Dr Ron Whelan disclosed the target at the scheme’s recent annual general meeting. He said the high recruitment requirement was necessary because of significant annual membership churn. DHMS is South Africa’s largest open medical scheme. At the…
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DHMS AI Prompts Drive Higher Screening Rates Among Members
Discovery Health Medical Scheme members who have opted into an AI-driven health guidance programme are significantly more likely to complete routine health checks and cancer screenings than members who have not enrolled. This is according to preliminary findings from Discovery Health. These results may be influenced by the effective use of DHMS AI Prompts within the programme. The results support…
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Discovery Health Reports Profit Amid Shifting Membership Base
Discovery Health has reported a profit for the recent financial year. This positive result comes despite a slight dip in medical scheme members. The company shows strong financial performance overall. Its strategies are successfully adapting to market changes. This ensures continued profitability and stability. The financial outcome highlights a robust business model. Analysing Membership Trends The Discovery Health Medical Scheme…