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Medical schemes may pay for HIV drugs
Johannesburg, South Africa Bruce Cameron Independent Online 3 May 2002
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The Council for Medical Schemes is proposing making various HIV/AIDS treatments minimum prescribed benefits that will have to be provided by all medical aid schemes.
The proposed minimum benefits were published in the Government Gazette on Friday and come on the heels of the government volte face on its views on the treatment of HIV/Aids. The prescribed minimum benefits include the provision of anti-retroviral drugs to HIV-positive pregnant mothers and drugs for women who have been subjected to sexual assault.
However, at this stage the new regulations on minimum benefits are proposals and the Council is asking for assistance in the formulation of the benefits and for comment on the cost implications for medical schemes.
Until now only the treatment of opportunistic diseases associated with AIDS, such as tuberculosis (TB) have been prescribed minimum benefits. The cost of the treatment was set at those provided by public hospitals. However, many people who attempted to use public hospitals were unable to get treatment and were forced to pay for treatment at private facilities.
The Council wants medical schemes to enter into agreements with public hospitals that will ensure members receive the minimum benefits. If they do not, the schemes will have to pay for the benefits at private institutions.
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