Gauteng Business 2017-18 edition
Gauteng Business 2017/18 is the ninth edition of this highly successful annual journal, that has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the Gauteng province. Special features for 2017/18 include a focus on major new developments in the region’s metros, complemented by detailed overviews of the main economic sectors in South Africa’s most important provincial economy.
Gauteng Business 2017/18 is the ninth edition of this highly successful annual journal, that has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the Gauteng province. Special features for 2017/18 include a focus on major new developments in the region’s metros, complemented by detailed overviews of the main economic sectors in South Africa’s most important provincial economy.
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INTERVIEW<br />
Member-oriented<br />
scheme strengthened<br />
by high reserves<br />
Christo Becker, Principal Officer of Selfmed, shares some<br />
insights on the medical insurance industry.<br />
Christo Becker<br />
BIOGRAPHY<br />
After completing his studies in<br />
1996, Christo worked as a paramedic<br />
in Cape Town and Port<br />
Elizabeth (where he was seconded<br />
to run the Eastern Cape<br />
operation for Netcare911). He<br />
furthered his career in healthcare<br />
when he was appointed as<br />
hospital manager for a hospital<br />
in the Netcare Group. Christo<br />
went on to manage a number<br />
of other hospitals before joining<br />
Selfmed Medical Scheme as the<br />
Principal Officer in 2014.<br />
Please provide an overview of Selfmed, including the<br />
history and size of the organisation.<br />
Selfmed Medical Scheme was established more than 50 years ago and<br />
it is one of the older schemes in South Africa.<br />
Providing coverage for about 8 000 principal members and 13 500<br />
beneficiaries, we are one of the smaller schemes and we focus on providing<br />
individual attention to our members. Our size allows us to do this.<br />
Could you outline the different options?<br />
Members are able to choose one of five medical aid options:<br />
SelfNET – this entry-level product is our most affordable as it covers<br />
a narrow band of benefits.<br />
MedXX1 – a hospital plan that extends beyond the prescribed minimum<br />
benefits and pays out at 100% of scheme rates for covered<br />
in-hospital treatment and in-hospital doctor’s consultations.<br />
Selfsure – an option that provides in-hospital and out-of-hospital<br />
benefits and is a great choice for a family with young children.<br />
Med Elite – a broader hospital plan that covers additional conditions<br />
including greater coverage for oncology expenses, hip, knee and<br />
back operations.<br />
Selfmed 80% – 80% of bills relating to a wide range of conditions<br />
are covered.<br />
What is the solvency ratio of Selfmed and how does this<br />
compare to other medical aid schemes?<br />
Selfmed has a solvency ratio of 100.37%, which is way more than the<br />
25% mandatory requirement. We are one of the top schemes in the<br />
country in terms of our reserves.<br />
What differentiates your offerings from those of your<br />
competitors?<br />
Selfmed has a very strong member focus. As someone who has<br />
previously worked as a paramedic and a hospital manager, I’m<br />
passionate about healthcare. All of us share the passion and want<br />
GAUTENG BUSINESS <strong>2017</strong>/<strong>18</strong><br />
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