South Africa’s second-largest open medical aid scheme, Bonitas, has announced a weighted average increase of 4.8% for its medical plans in 2022.
Increases will vary across the group’s packages, with the BonStart premium contribution fee decreasing by 7.9%. This can be attributed to the low cost versus benefits ratio and the younger membership profile on the plan, Bonitas said.
The scheme has 338,751 principal members and 722,943 total beneficiaries.
The group said it will offer a total of 15 plans for 2022, comprising traditional, savings, hospital, edge (virtual), network and income-based plans, each appealing to different target markets.
Price changes range from minus -7.9% to +6.5%. Bonitas said it opted to increase its options which are currently in a growth phase – BonSave, BonFit and BonEssential – by only 3.6%.
The average increase of 4.8% is close to the recommendation from the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), which recommended medical aid increases be in line with CPI of 4.2%.
Bonitas said that its average – a little over that value – is based on the CMS’ caveat that financial stability and sustainability of schemes remain a priority. The group is using R600 million of its reserves to keep price increases down.
New offerings being introduced include an additional virtual plan, BonStart Plus; a renewed focus on Managed Care with an oncology management programme; as well as an enhanced member app, powered by AMP, which includes a personalised wellness programme to encourage healthier behaviour, the group said.
This is how contributions will change for 2022:
| Plan | 2021 price (principal) | 2022 price (principal) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BonComprehensive | R7 715 | R8 217 | +6.5% |
| BonClassic | R5 330 | R5 677 | +6.5% |
| BonComplete | R4 291 | R4 570 | +6.5% |
| BonSave | R2 847 | R2 950 | +3.6% |
| BonFit Select | R2 152 | R2 230 | +3.6% |
| BonStart | R1 452 | R1 338 | -7.9% |
| BonStart Plus (New) | – | R1 670 | – |
| Standard | R4 044 | R4 230 | +4.6% |
| Standard Select | R3 859 | R3 822 | +6.5% |
| Primary | R2 537 | R2 654 | +4.6% |
| Primary Select | R2 180 | R2 322 | +6.5% |
| Hospital Standard | R2 434 | R2 592 | +6.5% |
| BonEssential | R1 962 | R2 033 | +3.6% |
| BonEssential Select | R1 675 | R1 784 | +6.5% |
| BonCap R0-R700 (New) | – | R780 | – |
| BonCap R701-R9,430 (Revised) | R1 212 | R1 274 | +5.1% |
| BonCap R9,431-R15,320 (Revised) | R1 434 | R1 507 | +5.1% |
| BonCap R15,321-R19,930 (Revised) | R2 311 | R2 429 | +5.1% |
| BonCap R19,931+ | R2 837 | R2 982 | +5.1% |
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