ADULT and extra dependents on the Premier Service Medical Aid (PSMAS) insurance are no longer eligible to get medical aid cover under government’s subsidy, prompting PSMAS to review tariffs for those who wish to continue under their cover.
By Staff Reporter
This follows the recent announcement by the Public Service Commission Secretary, Mrs Tsitsi Choruma who said adult and extra dependents were burdening the PMSAs medical aid service and offloading them was in the best interest of both government and the medical aid society.
The Public Service Commission has, in the past few years, noted with concern that Civil Servants have been facing challenges in accessing medical services. The challenges relating to Civil Servants accessing medical aid are multi-faceted and these do not exclude abuse and fraud around access.
“An unprecedented increase in the number of adult beneficiaries added by some members of the Public Service medical scheme has been observed. This is due to the highly subsidised levels of subscriptions obtaining. These extra adult dependents (18 years and above) who are accessing services at a very low cost have grossly reduced the viability, affordability and sustainability of PSMAS medical aid. The Public Service Commission is determined to ensure sustainable provision of medical care for Civil Servants and wishes to announce a new measure relating to adult dependants. It must be noted that the new measure is with immediate effect,” said Mrs Choruma.
The standard medical aid package for Public Service workers under PSMAS covers a member, spouse and eligible three children. The Public Service Commission meets 80% while the employee pays 20% balance of the medical cover obligations.
“In view of the aspirations to have all Public Servants accessing medical coverage through PSMAS, the Government has made a decision that adult dependents shall not be subsidised by the subscriptions made by the Government for its public workers’ core beneficiaries. As such, all members of the Public Service who wish to add other beneficiaries to their plans would need to pay PSMAS-defined market rates for them.
She added that the addition of adult dependents onto one’s plan would require that a member notifies PSMAS directly and ensures that they make the necessary arrangements for the proposed additions.
“It must be noted that the arrangements to finance extra dependents, is the responsibility of the member and this will be done by directly signing up with PSMAS. The Public Service Commission will only deduct subscriptions through SSB upon receipt of a clear instruction signed off by the member. However, members are also free to pay directly to PSMAS.”
She added that …”the Public Service Commission hopes that members will understand the concerns stated above, but more importantly, also note that this decision will enable the availability of resources to largely benefit the members of the Public Service. This change is meant to lessen the financial burden on the Government and PSMAS while ensuring the viability of the medical cover. This enhances value for the members and ensures the sustainability of the provision of services offered by PSMAS to its clients.
“The Government of Zimbabwe remains committed to guaranteeing that Public Servants have access to good health and medical care. Health insurance is recognised as one of several non-monetary benefits the Public Service Commission extends to Government workers and is meant to ensure that the workforce is healthy and has the ability to physically and mentally apply itself at the workplace.”
Meanwhile, in their communication to members, PSMAS noted that while they are still committed to providing services to all citizens, the new development requires member who wish to have their relatives and adult dependents maintained on the cover to make necessary arrangements before the tariff review takes effect in February.
“In view of the recent review of adult and extra dependents’ subscriptions, members wishing to continue having medical cover for their dependents must contact the Society by 20 January 2023 to make necessary adjustments befitting their circumstances. Our customer service agents in all our outlets will be ready to assist you during this process.
“The new subscription rates will now be effected in February instead of January as previously announced to allow members to make appropriate decisions. All biological children over 18 years with proof that they are still attending school under parental guardianship will continue to contribute the same subscription as the principal member. Please note that monthly subscriptions for principal member, spouse and three biological children remain unchanged and subsidized by the employer,” said PSMAS.
