Public sector unions have criticised the Government Employees Medical Scheme after it failed to secure approval for a lower increase in member contributions. GEMS asked the Council for Medical Schemes to reduce its average increase to 7.5% from July 2026. However, the regulator rejected the proposal. The decision means members will continue paying contributions based on the approved average increase…
Tag: Public Sector Unions
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GEMS 2026 Contribution Increase Faces Regulatory Scrutiny
The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has raised major concerns over a new financial proposal by the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS). The regulator warns that the revised GEMS 2026 contribution increase might threaten the long-term financial stability of South Africa’s largest medical scheme. Public sector unions have consistently pressured GEMS to protect members from rising costs. In response, GEMS…
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GEMS Medical Aid Increases: Scheme Battles Record Claims
The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) is facing a significant financial crossroads. It has recently paid out in a single year what some of South Africa’s largest private insurers distributed over a quarter of a century. This unprecedented surge in claims has triggered mandatory increases to GEMS Medical Aid for members, effective from 1 April. Rising Costs Amid Financial Pressure…