T RapodileJJ Kugel Council for Medical Schemes en-za http://www.medicalschemes.com/ RSS FEEDS http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Jitbit RSS Feed Creator Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:47:09 +0200 http://www.medicalschemes.com/rss.xml http://www.medicalschemes.com/Images/LogoMain.JPG The Registrar hereby informs schemes as to the requirement of the Act to update details for Medical Schemes. The circular is a follow up of circular 9 of 2009 and includes the additional requirement of advance notification of a change in administration and process regarding annual/quarterly statutory returns. For further information, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular37of2010_20100723.pdf Fri, 23 July 2010 15:58:31 +0200 In our latest issue of CMScript, our e-newsletter on prescribed minimum benefits or PMBs, we focus on Epilepsy. To read about these essential benefits that are guaranteed to each medical scheme member, click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript5Of2010_20100719.pdf Mon, 19 June 2010 17:11:31 +0200 The industry task team on prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs) is continuing with its work. It will be done by 30 July 2010. For more, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular36Of2010_20100719.pdf Mon, 19 June 2010 17:11:31 +0200 The Registrar of Medical Schemes advises on the requirements and deadlines for schemes to submit their benefit and contribution changes for 2011. For more information, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular35Of2010_20100625.pdf Fri, 25 June 2010 17:14:31 +0200 The National ICD-10 Task Team has published a document with information on the ICD-10 code updates that will be done to bring SA in line with the World Health Organisation. For details, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular33Of2010_20100621.pdf Thurs, 24 June 2010 18:46:33 +0200 The National ICD-10 Task Team has published a document detailing the purpose of the National ICD-10 Task Team. For details, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular32Of2010_20100623.pdf Wed, 23 June 2010 18:39:33 +0200 The National ICD-10 Task Team has published a circular with regards to the use of ICD-10 Coding on non medical scheme documents. For details, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular31Of2010_201006223.pdf Wed, 23 June 2010 18:39:33 +0200 The National ICD-10 Task Team has published a circular with regards to the ICD-10 codes, pre-authorisation and clinical validation requirements. For details, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular30Of2010_20100610.pdf Wed, 23 June 2010 18:39:33 +0200 The National ICD-10 Task Team updated the use of ICD-10 coding for dental laboratory and technician claims. For details, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular29Of2010_20100623.pdf Wed, 23 June 2010 18:39:33 +0200 The Registrar of Medical Schemes has approved that the exposition documents on the proposed merger between Medshield Medical Scheme and Oxygen Medical Scheme lie open for public viewing from 21 June to 11 July 2010. For details, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular28Of2010_20100621.pdf Mon, 21 June 2010 16:50:33 +0200 This office has concluded the process of soliciting views on the draf standards published for comment. For details, please access the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular27Of2010_20100617.pdf Thurs, 17 June 2010 19:07:33 +0200 The Registrar of Medical Schemes has approved that the exposition documents on the proposed merger between Momentum Health Medical Scheme and Ingwe Health Plan lie open for public viewing from 15 June to 5 July 2010. For details, please access the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular26Of2010_20100615.pdf Tue, 15 June 2010 16:41:25 +0200 In our latest issue of CMScript, our e-newsletter on prescribed minimum benefits or PMBs, we focus on Multiple sclerosis. To read about these essential benefits that are guaranteed to each medical scheme member, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript4Of2010_20100615.pdf Tue, 15 June 2010 09:53:25 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) wishes to confirm that the industry task team on prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs) is going ahead with the development of a code of conduct on PMB compliance. Get more detail, by clicking on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/PressRelease7of2010_20100608.pdf Tue, 08 June 2010 03:29:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar would like to provide all Principal Officers, Boards of Trustees and statutory return users the opportunity to provide suggestions for changes to/comments on the Annual Statutory Return. For the full document, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular25Of2010_20100607.pdf Mon, 07 June 2010 05:08:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes is in the process of reviewing the SAICA Medical Schemes Accounting Guide (Guide) which is to be published by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). To read more about it, please click on the link above. To access the 2009 Guide, visit the SAICA website http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular24Of2010_20100607.pdf Mon, 07 June 2010 05:07:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) would like to alert all Principal Officers, Boards of Trustees and preparers of statutory returns to its general concerns noted during the analysis of the 2009 Annual Financial Statements and Statutory Returns. For the full document, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular23Of2010_20100607.pdf Mon, 07 June 2010 05:05:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar (Office) has finalised the 2010 Quarterly Statutory Return online programme, which is now available on our website for completion of Quarter 1 of 2010. For the full document, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular22Of2010_20100603.pdf Thur, 03 June 2010 14:13:00 +0200 Dr Monwabisi Gantsho is the new Registrar of Medical Schemes. He joined the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) today. Get to know him better by clicking on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/PressRelease6Of2010_20100601.pdf Tue, 01 June 2010 16:33:00 +0200 Notification to all users of the auditor questionnaire that the questionnaire for the 2010 financial year is available for completion. To view the document, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular21Of2010_20100529.pdf Sat, 29 May 2010 14:30:00 +0200 CMS legal position on appointment of Brokers, collection and payment of unlawful professional fees to Brokers and unlawful collection of first month contributions by Brokers. To view the document, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular20of2010_20100526.pdf Mon, 26 May 2010 20:40:00 +0200 Regulator of the industry, the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), has published the deadlines by which schemes are to submit their Risk Equalisation Fund (REF) data in 2010. To view the document, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular19of2010_20100517.pdf Mon, 17 May 2010 08:25:00 +0200 Regulator of the medical schemes industry, the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), is reminding all media professionals that they are invited to witness a historic workshop on the industry-wide non-compliance with the prescribed minimum benefit (PMB) provisions in the Medical Schemes Act. The workshop takes place in Johannesburg tomorrow. Get the details by clicking on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/PressRelease5Of2010_20100510.pdf Thurs, 10 May 2010 04:20:00 +0200 In our latest issue of CMScript, our e-newsletter on prescribed minimum benefits or PMBs, we focus on Haemophilia. To read the article, click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript3of2010_20100506.pdf Wed, 06 May 2010 04:20:00 +0200 Regulator of the medical schemes industry, the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), is inviting media professionals to witness a historic workshop on the industry-wide non-compliance with prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs) provisions. The workshop takes place in Johannesburg next week. Get the details and book your seat by clicking on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/PressRelease4Of2010.pdf Tue, 04 May 2010 15:02:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar would like to provide all Principal Officers and statutory return users with information on the completion of the 2010 quarterly statutory return submissions. For the full document, click on the link above http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular18Of2010_20100503.pdf Mon, 03 May 2010 16:59:00 +0200 The regulator of medical schemes, the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), is turning 10 this Sunday. We look back on our first decade. Read about it by clicking on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/Press%20release%203%20of%202010%20We%20are%2010%20.pdf Fri, 30 April 2010 12:34:00 +0200 Amendments to Fit and Proper requirements (FAIS) and related issues affecting accredited brokers. For the full document, click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular17April2010_20100430.pdf Fri, 30 April 2010 12:34:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar (Office) published its quarterly reports for the period ended 31 December 2009 today. For the full document, click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Quarterly%20Reports/Q4WebReports09_20100428.pdf Thur, 28 April 2010 16:19:00 +0200 In our latest issue of CMScript, our e-newsletter on prescribed minimum benefits or PMBs, we focus on Chronic renal disease and dialysis. To read the article, click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript2Of2010_20100421.pdf Wed, 21 April 2010 18:10:00 +0200 The latest issue of CMS News, the official newsletter of the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), explores the relationships of beneficiaries with their medical schemes, administrators, managed care organisations, brokers, healthcare providers as well as patient advocacy groups and patient support groups. Hard copies of the publication are posted to medical schemes only but the electronic version is available on our website (www.medicalschemes.com). Access the electronic version by clicking on the link above. Kindly contact the editor with any comments you may have. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMS%20News/CMSNews3Of2009_2010_20100419.pdf Mon, 19 April 2010 05:17:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) is proceeding with its court application to have Bonitas Medical Fund placed under curatorship. Find out why – and get the latest on this case – by clicking on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/PressRelease2of2010_20100419.pdf Fri, 16 April 2010 11:22:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) is inviting all schemes, administrators, and other interested parties who can contribute with data and expertise to help cost the package of prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs). For details, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular16Of2010_20100416.pdf Fri, 16 April 2010 11:16:00 +0200 The South African Revenue Services (SARS) is asking medical schemes and administrators of medical schemes to submit information in terms of the Income Tax Act. To find out how to comply with this requirement, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular15Of2010_20100809.pdf Fri, 09 April 2010 10:00:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes has published a General Notice on proposed levies on medicals schemes in the Government Gazette on 12 March 2010. For more information on this, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular14Of2010_20100324.pdf Thur, 25 March 2010 16:36:00 +0200 CMS invites stakeholders to participate in a managed health care discussion forum. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular13Of2010_20100311.pdf Thur, 11 March 2010 09:16:00 +0200 The Minister of Health is embarking on a massive national HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) campaign beginning on the 1st of April 2010. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular12Of2010_20100311.pdf Thur, 11 March 2010 09:14:00 +0200 In our latest issue of CMScript, our e-newsletter on prescribed minimum benefits or PMBs, we focus on infertility and premature labour. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript%20issue%201%20of%202010.pdf Mon, 05 March 2010 17:15:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) requests all Principal Officers to provide the marketing material of their schemes as required in Circular 11 of 2010. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular%2011%20of%202010%20-%20Marketing%20material%20(Ed%20%202).pdf Mon, 05 March 2010 16:30:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar (Office) wishes to inform all stakeholders that the 2009 Annual Statutory Return is available for completion. The Office has also published guidance on the submission requirements. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular%2010%20of%202010_Annual%20Statutory%20Returns%20for%20the%20financial%20year%20ended%2031%20December%202009.pdf Mon, 01 March 2010 16:45:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar (Office) wishes to inform stakeholders that Guideline 63 Annual Statutory Return Help file has been published. The purpose of this guideline is to facilitate a better understanding of not only the workings of the Annual Statutory Return online system, but also how it should be completed. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/2009%20Annual%20Return%20Help%20File%20final.pdf Mon, 01 March 2010 16:45:00 +0200 The acting Registrar of Medical Schemes Craig Burton-Durham has further extended the period in which to report on the matters raised in Circular 37 of 2009. To see the document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular9Of2010_%2020100225.pdf Thur, 25 Feb 2010 17:16:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has just published the deadlines for medical schemes to submit their International Classification of Diseases compliance data for the year 2010. To read more, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Cirular8Of2010_20100222.pdf Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:55:00 +0200 The acting Registrar of Medical Schemes Craig Burton-Durham has extended the period in which to report on the matters raised in Circular 37 of 2009. To see the document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular7of2010_20100218.pdf Thur, 18 Feb 2010 16:33:00 +0200 The acting Registrar of Medical Schemes Craig Burton-Durham addresses healthcare brokers on his court application to place Bonitas Medical Fund under curatorship. To see his advice, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular6of2010_20100216.pdf Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:26:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar (Office) published its quarterly reports for the period ended 30 September 2009 today. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Quarterly%20Reports/Q3StatReports20090930.pdf Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:54:00 +0200 The acting Registrar of Medical Schemes has today filed papers with the High Court asking for an urgent hearing to place Bonitas Medical Fund under curatorship. For more on this breaking story, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/PressRelease1of2010_20100126.pdf Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:12:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar (Office) wishes to inform stakeholders that Guideline 58 Foreign listed securities as at 31 December 2009 as per the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has been replaced by Guideline 58 Inward listed securities as at 16 November 2009 as per the JSE. Guideline 57 has also been updated with the new classifications. These updated guidelines should be used in the classification of assets in terms of Regulation 30 of the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 (Act) read in conjunction with Annexure B to the Regulations. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/publications.aspx?catid=5 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:11:00 +0200 During the past few years, the Office of the Registrar (Office) has noted that auditors are using incorrect audit report templates for the Annual Statutory Return. The Office has issued Circular 5 of 2010 to provide further clarity and guidance on these audit reports. The audit report templates are contained in Guidelines 61 and 62. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular5Of2010_20100122.pdf Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:04:00 +0200 The Ministry of Health has announced that the increased broker fees are payable from 1 January 2010 and not 1 January 2009, as stated previously. To read more, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular3of2010_20100108.pdf Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:39:00 +0200 During the past few years, the Office of the Registrar (Office) has received an increasing number of queries on the classification of assets in terms of Regulation 30 of the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 (Act) read in conjunction with Annexure B to the Regulations. The Office has issued Circular 2 of 2010 and Guidelines 53 to 60 to provide further clarity and guidance on the said classification. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular2of2010_20090107.pdf Thur, 07 Jan 2010 17:11:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar would like to provide more details to all Principal Officers and statutory return users regarding the quarterly submission for 2009. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular01of2010_20100106.pdf Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:19:00 +0200 In Issue 11 0f 2009 of its electronic advisory service on prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs), the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) takes a closer look at HIV/Aids in the context of prescribed minimum benefits. To see the article, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript_Dec2009_20100126.pdf Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:38:00 +0200 The Minister of Health has published a Bipolar Mood Disorder therapeutic algorithm. For more details, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/PressRelease10of2009_20091223.pdf Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:23:00 +0200 The Minister of Health has published a therapeutic algorithm for the management of bipolar mood disorder in the government gazette of 21 December 2009. For more details, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular41of2009_20091223.pdf Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:33:00 +0200 The Honourable Dr.A.Motsoaledi, has agreed to a 7.9% tariff adjustment as an interim and temporary measure in as far as the RPL is concerned. For more details, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular40of2009_20091222.pdf Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:58:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar would like to inform all stakeholders that the approved benefit options for open and restricted medical schemes for 2010 have been published on its website. To see the list, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular39of2009_20091218.pdf Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:02:00 +0200 The Minister of Health has approved an increase in the fees payable to healthcare brokers with effect from 1 January 2009. For more, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular38Of2009_20091215.pdf Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:37:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) is giving schemes and administrators 60 days to comply with the provisions pertaining to prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs). To read the full directive, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular37Of2009_20091215.pdf Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:31:00 +0200 The latest issue of the official newsletter of the Council for Medical Schemes analyses the reasons why South Africans join medical schemes – and why they do not. The publication is posted to selected stakeholders only but you can download the PDF version by clicking on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMS%20News/CMSNews_2_0910_20091211.pdf Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:30:00 +0200 In its latest e-newsletter on prescribed minimum benefits, the Council for Medical Schemes takes a closer look at violence and abuse. For more, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript_20090412.pdf Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:55:00 +0200 The Minister of Health has appointed a new Acting Registrar of Medical Schemes. For more, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/PressRelease9of2009_20091201.pdf Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:18:00 +0200 The office of the registrar would like to inform all stakeholders of the publishing of Circular 38 of 2009 regarding the approved preliminary list of open medical scheme options for 2010. Please click on the link above for full circular or refer to the circular section of the website. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular36Of2009_BenefitOptionApproval_20091119.pdf Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:38:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes wishes to inform all stakeholders that the 2009 SAICA Medical Schemes Accounting Guide has been published. To read more about it, please click on the link above. To access the 2009 Guide, visit the SAICA website. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular34of2009_20091104.pdf Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:09:00 +0200 In the October issue of its electronic advisory service on prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs), the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) takes a closer look at eye care in the context of prescribed minimum benefits. For more details, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScriptOct09_20091030.pdf Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:03:00 +0200 The Acting Registrar and Chief Executive of the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) Mr Patrick Matshidze will be leaving the CMS in November. For more details, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/PressRelease8of2009_20091019.pdf Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:46:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) invites all stakeholders to comment on the billing structure being proposed by the Board of Healthcare Funders of Southern Africa (BHF) in administering the Practice Code Numbering System (PCNS). For details, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular33of2009_20091016.pdf Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:45:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar would like to inform all Principal Officers and statutory return users of the provisional submission of statutory data for 2009. For the full document, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular32of2009_20091016.pdf Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:30:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar (Office) would like to communicate to Principal Officers, Boards of Trustees, and other relevant stakeholders that the Office has issued its guideline on the content of standard management accounts. For the full documents, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/GDL_on_Standard_management_accounts_20090930.pdf Wed, 30 Sept 2009 15:52:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar would like to provide all statutory return users with information on the 2009 quarterly statutory return training sessions to be held in the second week of October. To see the circular, please click on the link above. https://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/CMS%20Circular%2030%20of%202009%20quarterly%20statutory%20returns%20training.pdf Mon, 28 Sept 2009 18:00:00 +0200 The office of the Registrar would like to invite Principal Officers, BOT’s, Managed Care organisations, Administrators of medical schemes and Medical Advisors to comment and suggest changes to the revised accreditation standards for managed care delivery. To see the circular, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular29Of2009_20090918.pdf Fri, 18 Sept 2009 13:00:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar would like to communicate to Principal Officers, Boards of Trustees, and other relevant stakeholders that the Office has issued its guidelines on the submission of reinsurance contracts, as well as the following business plans: Amalgamations; New/restructured benefit options; New schemes; and Regulation 29(4). For the full documents, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/publications.aspx?catid=5 Wed, 16 Sept 2009 13:48:53 +0200 For the downloadable version of the Annual Report, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Annual%20Reports/CMS_AnnualReport2008_2009.zip Thur, 03 Sept 2009 12:21:30 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) launched its latest Annual Report during a media conference earlier today. To read more about it, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/PressRelease7Of2009.pdf Wed, 02 Sept 2009 13:44:40 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has just released its latest Annual Report, for the period 2008-09. To download the low-res PDF version of the Report, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Annual%20Reports/CMS_A-R_2008-09_20090902.pdf Wed, 02 Sept 2009 13:35:40 +0200 Resolution Health (Pty) Ltd and Resolution Administrators (Pty) Ltd have today been given three months within which to transfer their functions to other service providers or to Resolution Health Medical Scheme itself. To see the judgment of the High Court, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/PressRelease6of2009_20090901.pdf Tue, 01 Sept 2009 15:08:20 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) is inviting all interested members of the South African media fraternity to the official launch of our Annual Report 2008-09, scheduled for tomorrow. For details, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Annual%20Reports/InviteAR_Launch2009_reminder_20090901.pdf Tue, 01 Sept 2009 10:58:20 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) would like to clarify the meaning of the obligation of medical schemes to “pay in full” for medical costs of their members, as prescribed in the Medical Schemes Act. To see our explanation, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular24Of2009_20090828.pdf Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:27:40 +0200 August is Women’s Month so in the latest issue of its electronic advisory service on prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs), the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) talks about breast and cervical cancers. To see the article, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScriptAug09_20090828.pdf Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:57:40 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) would like to advise that the deadlines to book your seat(s) for its Annual Report road shows – which are free of charge – have been extended. For more information, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Annual%20Reports/InviteToRoadShows_2009_Rem_20090828.pdf Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:47:40 +0200 The Office of the Registrar would like to provide all Principal Officers, Boards of Trustees, and other relevant stakeholders with information on the distribution of annual financial statements to members. For the full document, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular23Of2009_20090827.pdf Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:14:40 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) invites all Principal Officers and trustees to its Annual Report road shows which are being revived this year – and which are free of charge. Our Acting Registrar and Chief Executive Patrick Matshidze will be visiting Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg in September. For more information and details on how to book your seat, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Annual%20Reports/Invite_road_shows_20090820.pdf Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:38:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) invites all Principal Officers and trustees to its Annual Report road shows which are being revived this year – and which are free of charge. Our Acting Registrar and Chief Executive Patrick Matshidze will be visiting Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg in September. For more information and details on how to book your seat, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Annual%20Reports/Invite_road_shows_20090820.pdf Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:38:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) is inviting all interested members of the South African media fraternity to the official launch of our Annual Report 2008-09. For details, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Annual%20Reports/Invito_A-R_official_launch_20090820.pdf Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:37:00 +0200 In the latest issue of this electronic advisory service, the Council for Medical Schemes takes a look at mental health healthcare provision under PMBs. For the full document, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript_20090811.pdf Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:26:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) would like to advise stakeholders that all calls to 012 431 0500 get directed to our Reception Desk. Calls to 0861 123 267 go directly to our Call Centre. http://www.medicalschemes.com/ Sat, 08 Aug 2009 10:05:00 +0200 The PMB review committee has today published the terms of reference of the clinical advisory committees that has been established to advise the PMB review committee on proposed changes to certain PMB algorithms and DTPs. These documents are available on the CMS website under Publications, PMB Review, Clinical Advisory committees. To view the terms of reference, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/PMB%20Review/Terms_of_Reference_ClinicalAdvisoryComm20090808.pdf Sat, 08 Aug 2009 09:27:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar would like to provide all Principal Officers and statutory return users with information on the 2009 quarterly statutory return submissions. For the full document, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular22of2009_20090807.pdf Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:15:00 +0200 The report on REF submissions during 2008 has been published today. Schemes that have been invited to discuss their REF returns with the CMS are urged to familiarise themselves with the content of the report. View the full report by clicking on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Risk%20Equalisation%20Fund/REFsubmissions2008Completereport.pdf Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:13:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar would like to communicate to Principal Officers, Boards of Trustees, auditors, medical scheme administrators and other interested parties, findings regarding the auditing of medical schemes during the evaluation of administrators and proposed action to be taken to improve internal and financial controls and reporting of results. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular21of2009_20090724.pdf Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:01:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar would like to communicate to Principal Officers, Boards of Trustees, and other relevant stakeholders that the Office is currently enhancing its guidelines on the format of standard management accounts and business plans. You are invited to comment on these guidelines by 21 August 2009. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular20Of2008_20090723.pdf Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:44:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) would like to advise all relevant stakeholders of the submission process of their contribution and benefit changes for 2010. Please click on the link above for the Circular with all the details. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular19_Of_2009_20090723.pdf Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:44:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar would like to communicate to Principal Officers, Boards of Trustees, auditors, and statutory return users the new prescribed format of the statement of comprehensive income. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular18Of2009_20090718.pdf Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:05:00 +0200 Given the media hype around the investigation into Bonitas Medical Fund and its administrator Medscheme Holdings (Pty) Ltd, the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) would like to assure the medical schemes industry that the scheme remains very stable and financially sound. To read more, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/PressRealease5_of_2009_20090717.pdf Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:10:00 +0200 The Office of the Registrar would like to provide all Principal Officers and statutory return users with information on the completion of the 2009 quarterly statutory return submissions. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular17Of2009_20090715.pdf Wed, 15 Jun 2009 18:42:00 +0200 In the latest issue of its electronic newsletter on prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs), the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) takes a closer look at diagnosing PMBs. To see the publication, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript_20090630.pdf Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:17:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has today made available the electronic version of the June 2009 edition of its quarterly paper-based external newsletter CMS News. This time, we explore the concept of “risk selection” in the medical schemes industry. Hard copies of the publication are posted to selected stakeholders only. To download the low-res PDF, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMS%20News/CMS_News_20090629.pdf Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:40:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) invites all stakeholders to participate in clinical advisory committees to recommend final revisions to the diagnosis and treatment pairs (DTPs) and Chronic Disease List (CDL) algorithms in the current package of prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs). Applications and submissions of final proposals must reach us by 21 July 2009. To read more, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular15Of2009_20090624.pdf Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:45:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) would like to alert all users of the auditor questionnaire that the questionnaire for the 2009 financial year is available on our website (www.medicalschemes.com). The deadline for submitting auditor questionnaires is 31 July 2009. For more details, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/circular14Of200906_20090615.pdf Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:51:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has issued a call for nominations of a body that will administer the practice code numbering system in the medical schemes industry. To find out more, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular13_of_20090610.pdf Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:54:00 +0200 We note with concern that healthcare providers seem to misunderstand modifier 0019. This Circular aims to clarify the use of this modifier. To read the Circular, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular12_of_%2020090609.pdf Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:25:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) would like to alert all Principal Officers, Boards of Trustees and preparers of statutory returns to its general concerns noted during the analysis of the 2008 Annual Financial Statements and Statutory Returns. For the full document, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular_11_of%202008_20090604.pdf Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:42:00 +0200 A joint provisional liquidator of Renaissance Health Medical Scheme has issued the attached letter to service providers who have rendered services to the former members of the scheme. To read more, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular10_2009.pdf Mon, 25 May 2009 14:40:50 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) is inviting expressions of interest from single suppliers / bidders (who may sub-contract) to participate in the bidding process for developing a Corporate Identity manual and a new website for the CMS. Please express your interest by 13:00 on Tuesday, 09 June 2009. To read more, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Tenders/NewWebsite_ExpressionOfInterest.pdf Thu, 21 May 2009 17:10:15 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), in its effort to provide appropriate and excellent service and oversight to medical schemes and their beneficiaries, requires all schemes to provide relevant information and contact detail updates as and when they happen. To read more, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular9_of_2009.pdf Tue, 05 May 2009 11:19:15 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes is in the process of reviewing the SAICA Medical Schemes Accounting Guide (Guide) which is to be published by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). To read more about it, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular_8_of_2009.pdf Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:20:15 +0200 In the April 2009 issue of its monthly e-newsletter on prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs), the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) takes a look at the coverage for malaria under PMBs. To read the article, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript_20090428.pdf Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:36:15 +0200 The Department of Health and the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) are reviewing the prescribed minimum benefit (PMB) regulations, with input from stakeholders. The third draft of the consultation document was recently published on the CMS website. Stakeholders are again invited to comment on this document, this time before 11 May 2009. For more, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/20090414_Circular_7_2009.pdf Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:11:15 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has today published scheme-specific reports and key findings from the analysis of the Risk Equalisation Fund (REF) submissions for quarters 1 and 2 of 2008. Schemes and other stakeholders are encouraged to review their comments and engage in discussion with the CMS. For more, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular%206%20of%2020090330.pdf Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:11:15 +0200 The Department of Health and the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) are reviewing the prescribed minimum benefit (PMB) regulations, with input from stakeholders. The third draft of the consultation document was published on the CMS website today. Stakeholders are again invited to comment on this document, this time before 20 April 2009, for consideration by the PMB review steering committee. To find out more, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/PMB%20Review/3rd_Draft_PMB_20090325.pdf Mon, 25 Mar 2009 16:31:44 +0200 The Finance Task Team of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Health (MACH) is inviting all interested stakeholders to its first consultative meeting to be held in Pretoria on 3 April 2009. For details, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/DOH_INVITATION_TO_HEALTH_FINANCING_%20MEETING.pdf Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:54:26 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has today published a special edition of its quarterly external newsletter CMS News. Hard copies of the publication are posted to trustees and principal officers of medical schemes. To download the PDF version, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMS%20News/CMS_News_200903.pdf Mon, 19 Mar 2009 09:14:56 +0200 March is Consumer Month and the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) is doing its bit to raise consumer awareness of their rights. To find out more about our initiative, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/Press_release_4_of_2009.pdf Mon, 13 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has today published a general notice on the proposed levies on medical schemes. This notice will also be published in the Government Gazette on 13 March 2009. To see the notice – and the budget of the CMS for the financial year 2009-10 – please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/GENERAL_NOTICE_LEVIES_ON_MEDICAL_SCHEMES_SECTION%203.pdf Mon, 13 Mar 2009 10:42:00 +0200 In the March 2009 issue of its monthly e-newsletter on prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs), the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) takes a look at the coverage for tuberculosis under PMBs. To read the article, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript_09032009.pdf Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:25:00 +0200 The Minister of Health, after consultation with the Council, has appointed Mr Patrick Matshidze as Acting Registrar of Medical Schemes with effect from 27 February 2009. For further details, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/Press_release_3_of_2009%20.pdf Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) would like to inform all principal officers, Board of Trustees and statutory return users that the 2008 annual statutory return program is now available on our website.(https://www.medicalschemes.com/Returns/) Kindly refer to Circular 3 of 2009. To access the circular, please click on the above link. https://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular3_of_2009_AR_for_31_December_2008.pdf Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:15:45 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) would like to inform all principal officers, Boards of Trustees, administrators and auditors that the 2008 guidelines addressing investment categorisation, in terms of Annexure B read in conjunction with Regulation 30 of the Medical Schemes Act, are now available on our website. To access them, please, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/publications.aspx?catid=5 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:34:45 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes published its quarterly reports for the period ended 30 September 2008 today. To see report, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Quarterly%20Reports/Quarter3_2008_period30Sept2008.pdf Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:02:45 +0200 The Registrar of Medical Schemes Patrick T. Masobe has resigned from the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS). To read more, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/PressRelease%202_of_2009.pdf Tue, 19 Feb 2009 15:54:45 +0200 In the February 2009 issue of its monthly e-newsletter on prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs), the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) answers your questions about cancer qualifying for PMBs. To read the article, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript_10Feb09.pdf Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:54:45 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes invites all newly appointed trustees to its free Introduction to Trusteeship Training Sessions which will be held in Johannesburg and Cape Town in February and March 2009. For more information, please click on the above link. https://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Board%20of%20Trustee%20Material/Introduction%20BOT%20Training%202009%20.pdf Thu, 23 Jan 2009 13:00:45 +0200 The Johannesburg High Court has granted an order placing trade union Solidarity’s restricted scheme Solvita under liquidation. For more information, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/Press_release_1_2009.pdf Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:40:45 +0200 In the January issue of its monthly e-newsletter on prescribed minimum benefits, the Council for Medical Schemes takes a closer look at chronic conditions and medication. To read the article, please click on the above link.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript%20Jan%2009%20-%20unlock%20your%20chronic%20benefits.pdfTue, 20 Jan 2009 09:47:09 +0200The Council for Medical Schemes is inviting all interested parties to its workshops on statutory returns and administrator accreditation, which will be held free of charge in Cape Town and Johannesburg in March 2009. For more details, including the agenda and registration form, please click on the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular%202%20of%202009.pdfTue, 13 Jan 2009 08:33:43 +0200The Office would like to inform all principal officers and statutory return users that the online 2008 quarterly statutory return for Quarter 4 is available on our website. To access the circular on the submission deadlines, click the above link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular_12of2008.pdf.pdfFri, 09 Jan 2009 16:08:16 +0200The Department of Health has published the National Health Reference Price List for 2009. To find out how to obtain this list, please click on the link above.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular%201%20of%202009.pdfFri, 09 Jan 2009 09:32:11 +0200 In its latest e-publication on prescribed minimum benefits, the Council for Medical Schemes gives advice on how to apply for membership of a medical scheme. For more information, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript_Dec_2008.pdf Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:42:45 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes published its quarterly reports for the period ended 30 June 2008 today. To see this list, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Quarterly%20Reports/Q22008WebsitereportFinal.pdf Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:29:11 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes has today published an updated list of benefit options for all open and restricted schemes that it has approved for the 2009 financial year. To see this list, please click on the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular%2039%20of%202008.pdf Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:29:11 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes invites all medical schemes who hold British American Tobacco (BTI) shares in their portfolio as a result of the unbundling of The Rembrandt Group (Richemont SA and Remgro Ltd.) to apply for exemption in terms of Section 8(h) of the Medical schemes Act 131 of 1998. For more information, please click the link above.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular%2038%20of%202008.pdfThu, 18 Dec 2008 15:18:34 +0200The Council for Medical Schemes has enhanced the ICD-10 compliance data specification for 2009 submissions. All medical schemes are required to adhere to this specification and the deadlines. For more information, please click on the link above.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular%2037%20of%202008.pdfThu, 18 Dec 2008 10:22:36 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) today published the December 2008 issue of its external newsletter CMS News. The publication is posted to trustees and principal officers of medical schemes only. To see the electronic version, please select the link above. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMS%20News/CMS_News_20081215.pdf Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:30:00 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes is currently enhancing its guidelines for the preparation of business plans pursuant to applications for the registration of a new medical scheme, amalgamations and the registration of new/restructured benefit options. To this effect, we have published Circulars 34 to 36 today. You are invited to comment on these guidelines by 19 January 2009. For more information, click the link above.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/publications.aspx?catid=1Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:46:58 +0200 In the latest issue of its electronic advisory service on prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs), the Council for Medical Schemes talks about HIV as a PMB. To read the article, please click on the link above.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript_Nov08.pdfTue, 02 Dec 2008 10:08:46 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes has today published the list of benefit options in open schemes that it has approved for the 2009 financial year. To see this list, please click on the link above.http://www.medicalschemes.co.za/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Benefits_options_2009.pdfTue, 18 Nov 2008 14:48:24 +0200The Council for Medical Schemes is enhancing its guideline on reinsurance contracts and invites all stakeholders to comment on it by 11 December 2008. For more information, please click the link.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular_31_of_2008.pdfThu, 13 Nov 2008 12:26:51 +0200The Council for Medical Schemes is enhancing the guideline for the preparation of business plans for medical schemes that are not meeting the minimum statutory requirements as per Regulation 29(4). All schemes are invited to comment on this guideline by 11 December 2008. For more details, please click the link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular_32_of_2008_reg29%20.pdf Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:25:03 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes has extended the statutory return submission deadline for the quarter 3 of 2008 to 19 November 2008. For more information, please click the link.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular%2030%20of%202008%20(Ed%201).pdfWed, 12 Nov 2008 10:55:27 +0200The SAICA Medical Schemes Accounting Guide for the 2008 financial year has been revised by the Medical Schemes Project Group of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) in consultation with the Council for Medical Schemes. To read more about it, please click the link.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular_29_of_2008.pdfWed, 12 Nov 2008 10:53:45 +0200In the latest issue of this electronic advisory service, the Council for Medical Schemes talks about designated service providers.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript_20081112.pdfWed, 12 Nov 2008 10:47:25 +0200The Asset Forfeiture Unit, a division of the National Prosecuting Authority, today seized the assets of three former trustees of Gen-Health Medical Scheme to the value of approximately R47 million. This comes as a result of a criminal case that ensued after the medical scheme was placed under curatorship in November 2005. For more details, please click the link above.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/Press%20release%2014%20of%202008.pdfFri, 24 Oct 2008 17:20:01 +0200The Council for Medical Schemes today released discussion documents on the proposed corporate governance guidelines for schemes and the fit and proper standards for trustees and principal officers, having published a discussion document on the broker regulatory framework last month. For more on how to have your say on these three documents, please click the link above.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular%2028%20of%202008.pdfFri, 24 Oct 2008 14:33:58 +0200The Council for Medical Schemes has withdrawn the accreditation of Mr Ettienne de Villiers and Afrisure cc with effect from 2 October 2008.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press Releases/Press_release_13_ 2008.pdfFri, 24 Oct 2008 08:39:21 +0200The Council for Medical Schemes published its quarterly reports for the period ended 31 March 2008 today. To see these reports, please click the link above.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Quarterly%20Reports/Q1_2008WebsiteReportsFinal.pdfThu, 23 Oct 2008 16:06:09 +0200The Council for Medical Schemes successfully approached the High Court on Friday to lift the curatorship of Renaissance Health Medical Scheme. For more details, please click the link.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/Pressrelease_12_of_%202008.pdfWed, 22 Oct 2008 11:27:52 +0200The minutes of the RETAP meeting dated 26 September 2008 have been published. To access the minutes, click the link.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/publications.aspx?catid=31Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:20:53 +0200The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has published version 4 of the guidelines for the identification of beneficiaries with Risk Equalisation Fund (REF) risk factors in accordance with the REF entry and verification criteria, applicable for 2009.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Risk Equalisation Fund/V4_of_Entry_and_Verification_Guidelines.pdfWed, 08 Oct 2008 11:12:09 +0200The outcomes of the latest judgements and appeals have been published on the CMS Website. To access the latest judgements and appeals, simply click on the link.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/publications.aspx?catid=17Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:30:31 +0200The Council for Medical Schemes has suspended the accreditation of Mr AF Fivaz and Independent Distribution Network (Pty) Ltd by default following a suspension by the Financial Services Board for a period of three months with effect from 1 September 2008. For more, please click the link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press Releases/PressRelease_11_of_2008.pdf Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:34:19 +0200 With the advent of the new legislation, all dental technicians irrespective of whether or not they choose to submit claims directly to healthcare funders are now required to include ICD-10 codes on their accounts, which must conform to the line item requirement (the mandatory submission of ICD-10 codes at a line level).http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular_26_2008.pdfThu, 02 Oct 2008 11:28:59 +0200The Council for Medical Schemes invites all stakeholders and other interested parties to comment on the review of the minimal datasets project. You have until Friday, 24 October 2008, to do so. For more information, please click the link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular_27_of_2008.pdf Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:19:21 +0200 The latest version of CMScript has been published. CMScript provides insight into prescribed minimum benefits. This edition deals with "Minimum benefits give maximum cover (Part 2)" To access and download CMSscript, please click on the link.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/CMScript_Sept _ 08.pdfMon, 29 Sep 2008 12:37:21 +0200The Council for Medical Schemes published the September issue of CMS News, its external newsletter, today. Due to the limited print-run, hard copies of this special edition will be posted to medical schemes only. To access the PDF version, please click on the link.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMS News/CMS_News_Sept2008.pdfMon, 29 Sep 2008 12:36:08 +0200The Registrar published a discussion document on proposals for broker remuneration for comment, with an initial deadline of 24 October 2008. Following representations made by stakeholders, this deadline has now been extended until 6 February 2009. This document is available on our website, www.medicalschemes.com, under publications -> brokers.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Brokers/Consultation_document_September_2008_revised_deadline.pdfMon, 29 Sep 2008 12:35:13 +0200Renaissance Health Medical Scheme and Humanity Medical Scheme will be liquidated due to poor financial performance. For more, click on the link provided.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/Press%20release%2010%20of%202008.pdfFri, 19 Sep 2008 15:11:34 +0200The regulatory framework for remuneration of health brokers is under the spotlight. The Office of the Registrar of Medical Schemes has published a discussion document with proposals to improve this framework. It has big implications for how medical schemes market themselves, how brokers operate and earn an income, and the quality of advice that consumers receive. If you’re a broker, a medical scheme or a consumer (or anyone else for that matter), we would value your input on these proposals. Comments should be emailed to broker_comments@medicalschemes.com by 24 October 2008. To read the discussion document, please click on the hyperlink provided.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Brokers/Broker_consultation_document_September2008.pdfFri, 19 Sep 2008 12:05:30 +0200The Department of Health, with assistance from the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), is reviewing the regulations pertaining to prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs) in terms of the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998. The PMB Review steering committee has taken into consideration comments from stakeholders on the first consultation document published on 27 March 2008. The steering committee has incorporated its responses to these comments into a second draft of the consultation document, which has been published on the CMS website today . Please submit your comments on this document to Baanetse Selebi (B.Selebi@medicalschemes.com) before Wednesday, 15 October 2008, for consideration by the PMB Review steering committee. The committee will consider these comments to finalise the context, PMB structure and principles operative in the review when it will convene to flesh out the details of PMB definitions.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/PMB%20Review/PBM%20Review%20consultation%20document%20-%20Second%20draft.pdfFri, 12 Sep 2008 08:53:45 +0200The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has implemented RSS feeds as a method of sharing important announcements, Circulars and Press Releases with its stakeholders. This Circular provides more information on RSS feeds, links to our RSS feeds, and instructions on how to subscribe to our feeds.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/COUNCIL%20RSS%20Feeds.pdfMon, 08 Sep 2008 10:00:36 +0200The Council for Medical Schemes has published its latest 2007/8 Annual Report. Please click on the link to download.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Annual%20Reports/Annual_Report_2006-7_1.zipTue, 02 Sep 2008 14:26:27 +0200 We are reviewing Version 3.2 of the guidelines of the Risk Equilisation Fund (REF) Entry and Verification Criteria in preparation of Verion 4 of the Criteria which will come into effect in January 2009. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular_24%20Invitation_to_comment_on%20E&V_Criteria.pdfTue, 02 Sep 2008 10:59:12 +0200 Since implementation of the MIT in September 2007, several clinically important errors have emerged. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/ERRATA%20ON%20THE%20ICD-10%20MIT.pdfTue, 02 Sep 2008 10:55:31 +0200 The Office of the Registrar would like to inform all users that the original submission deadline for the 2008 auditor approval questionnaire of 22 August 2008 has been extended. The new submission deadline is 30 September 2008.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/AA%20circular%20-%2013%20Aug%202008_2.pdfTue, 02 Sep 2008 10:53:41 +0200 The CMS published the report on the 2007 REF submissions on the CMS website today. A presentation on the 2007 submissions is also available. The purpose is to provide feedback to schemes on the 2007 submissions and to provide information that would assist schemes to interpret the scheme specific comments on that are available at the statutory returns portal on the CMS website.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/08_08_08_Circular_21_of_2008_REF_shadow_report_2007_submis.pdfTue, 02 Sep 2008 10:51:35 +0200 The Office would like to inform all principal officers and statutory return users that the 2008 quarterly statutory return for (Quarter 2) online program is available on our website. To access the circular on the submission deadlines, click on the Link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular%2012%20of%202008%20Revised.pdfFri, 18 Jul 2008 16:32:26 +0200 The Council for Medical schemes is still in the process of finalizing the development of a contributions and benefits template as indicated in circular 33 of 2007. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the process has been delayed and will be communicated to the stakeholders in due course. However scheme are encouraged to follow the submission process as outlined in attached Circular. Please click on the link to download and read more.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular%2019%20of%202008%20Revised%20Final.pdfTue, 15 Jul 2008 13:37:49 +0200 The curator of Renaissance Medical Scheme makes changes to contributions and benefits. To read more, click the link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Letter from curator.pdfThu, 03 Jul 2008 12:02:17 +0200 The Registrar of Medical Schemes, Mr Patrick Masobe, issued a letter to the Board of Trustees of Medshield today instructing them to immediately terminate their administration contract with Old Mutual Healthcare in terms of Section 61(5) of the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 (MSA). To read more, click the link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press Releases/pressRelease9.pdfTue, 01 Jul 2008 10:18:43 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes publishes its external newsletter for June 2008. To read more, click the hyperlink. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMS News/CMS News.zipTue, 01 Jul 2008 09:52:06 +0200 The CMS Script Newsletter for June 2008 has been published. This newsletter outlines: (a) The ins and outs of ICD10 codes, (b) PMB chronic conditions: a quick reference guide, and (c) The secrets of ICD10 Coding. To download the CMS Script Newsletter, simply click on the link. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMScript/cmsScript4.pdf.pdfMon, 30 Jun 2008 10:34:34 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes has removed three trustees of Medshield Medical Scheme from office with effect from 13 June 2008. To read more, click the hyperlink.https://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press Releases/Press_release_8_2008 .pdfFri, 27 Jun 2008 13:40:09 +0200 Dear Online Quarterly Statutory Returns Users. The Office would like to inform all principal officers and statutory return users that the 2008 Quater 1 online statutory return program is available on our website www.medicalschemes.com. Circular No 12/2008 outlines the submission process and requirements. Please click on the link to access. https://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular_12of2008.pdf.pdfWed, 18 Jun 2008 15:07:52 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has published its Research Brief 2 of 2008: Trends in Medical Schemes Contributions, Membership and Benefits 2002-2006 today... http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Research%20Briefs/Research_Brief_2_of_2008.pdfWed, 18 Jun 2008 10:32:34 +0200 The curator of Renaissance Health Medical Schemes made the following announcement yesterday. To read the announcement please click on the Link. https://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/RenaissanceReport.pdfWed, 18 Jun 2008 10:26:05 +0200 The Johannesburg High Court today placed Renaissance Medical Scheme under curatorship, following application by the Registrar of Medical Schemes, Mr Patrick Masobe, and the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS)... For more information click on the Link. https://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press Releases/PressRelease6of2008_Renaissance.pdfTue, 20 May 2008 15:43:58 +0200 The Registrar of Medical Schemes and the Council for Medical Schemes have made application to the Johannesburg High Court to place Renaissance Medical Scheme under curatorship. For more information: Click the Heading to read the full article. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/publications.aspx?catid=2Tue, 13 May 2008 16:57:42 +0200 TO: ALL STAKEHOLDERS Tuesday, 22 April 2008 - For immediate release On Friday 18 April 2008, the Registrar of Medical Schemes ("the Registrar") and the Council for Medical Schemes ("the Council") filed application for leave to appeal to the Constitutional Court, in the matter of Guardrisk Insurance Company Limited ("Guardrisk") and the Registrar and the Council. The matter concerns two of Guardrisk's policies, named AdmedGap and AdmedPulse. The Council and the Registrar contend that these products do the business of a medical scheme, which requires Guardrisk to be registered as a medical scheme and to comply with the requirements of the Medical Schemes Act ("the Act"). The Johannesburg High Court agreed with the Council and Registrar, interdicting Guardrisk from selling and marketing these products as it is not registered in terms of the Act. However, Guardrisk appealed to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) which, on 28 March 2008, overturned the judgment of the Johannesburg High Court. Legally, the matter turns on a technical point of whether paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of the definition of "business of a medical scheme" in the Act should be read disjunctively [(a) OR (b) OR (c)] or conjunctively [(a) AND (B) AND (c)]. The High Court agreed with the Registrar and Council's contention that the former applies, whereas the SCA agreed with Guardrisk that a conjunctive interpretation should be applied. Although the legal dispute is technical, the matter has major practical and policy implications. The Registrar and Council contend that on the SCA's interpretation, about two-thirds of medical schemes currently registered under the Act would be excluded from its ambit. It would also create an enormous hole in the regulatory regime created by the Act which would be rapidly exploited by everybody keen to carry on the business of a medical scheme but free of regulation under the Act. Young and healthy lives will be attracted out of the medical schemes environment (or to less comprehensive medical scheme products), resulting in rapidly increasing costs for the older and less healthy who remain dependent on registered medical schemes for their cover - but now with significantly reduced cross-subsidisation from the young and healthy. The Registrar and Council contend that the Constitutional function of the Act to promote access to health care services in terms of section 27 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and to promote non-discrimination and equality in terms of section 9 of the Constitution, will be seriously compromised if the SCA's interpretation is allowed to stand.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press Releases/Press_Release_4_of_2008_Guardrisk.pdfTue, 22 Apr 2008 11:15:44 +0200 Private health cost increases are unsustainable and unjustifiable in significant respects. Without corrective government interventions, continuing cost escalation will have long-term impacts on access to health care through medical schemes. This is according to a report released on Thursday 3 April 2008 by the Council for Medical Schemes, which details its evaluation of the causes of medical scheme cost escalation and its recommendations on what needs to be done to contain the increases. Please click on the link to read the full report. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/ReportMedicalSchemeCostIncreases.pdfThu, 03 Apr 2008 13:07:18 +0200 Thursday, 6 March 2008 - For immediate release 1. In a collaborative effort between the Department of Health and the Council for Medical Schemes, a consultative workshop was held with 250 stakeholder representatives at Gallagher Estate on 15 February 2008. 2. At this workshop, the terms of reference of the review of the PMBs were discussed, and stakeholders presented their views on the process that should be followed in this review. These presentations are available at www.medicalschemes.com under publications: PMB review 2008. 3. The attached "Terms of reference for the 2008 review of prescribed minimum benefits funded by medical schemes" reflects the outcome of these discussions. 4. The attached "Governance, process, structure and objectives of the 2008 PMB review" document further expands on the functional groups and specifies their activities and objectives. 5. Individuals who wish to participate on the functional groups review must please submit their names, specific skill areas and contact details to c.cairncross@medicalschemes.com before 12h00 on 12 March 2008. Please indicate in which of the functional groups you would prefer to participate, individuals may serve on more than one of the groups. 6. A functional group workshop will be held in Gauteng on 17 March 2008. Details of the venue and the programme will be sent to participants by 13 March 2008. The workshop will start with a plenary session where the activities of each of the groups will be elaborated on, after which work on these areas will start immediately. 7. The purpose of this workshop is to finalise the work contents and processes of the functional groups and to consider timelines for each of the sub-processes. The number and dates of future functional group meetings, as well as future large workshops involving all stakeholders will also be established at this workshop. REF Project Specialist: Council for Medical Schemeshttp://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular_6_of_2008_PMB_Review.pdfFri, 07 Mar 2008 09:11:52 +0200 Tuesday, 19 February 2008 - For immediate release The Council for Medical Schemes has published the Quarterly Returns Report for Quarter Three. The report is available on the CMS website. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Quarterly Reports/CMS_Q3_Report_2007.pdfWed, 20 Feb 2008 08:53:00 +0200 Monday, 18 February 2008 - For immediate release The Registrar of Medical Schemes Mr. Patrick Masobe, has today warned the Medicover Medical Scheme that he intends to approach the High Court for urgent relief to safeguard the interests of members in the event of the scheme proceeding with a Special General Meeting scheduled to be held in Bisho on Friday 22 February 2008. The warning to the scheme follows a letter by the Registrar to the trustees, dated 14 February 2008 wherein he advised that the failure by the trustees to comply with the rules of the medical scheme requiring that members be given 14 days notice of the calling of a Special General Meeting, had not been met and that the meeting would accordingly be invalid if held. Medicover, in spite of the concerns raised by the Registrar, proceeded to inform members via SMS during the course of the past weekend, of the venue for the meeting. The Registrar has advised the scheme that he will approach the High Court for urgent relief to safeguard member interests in the event of the trustees proceeding with the meeting.http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press Releases/Press_Release_2_of_2008_Medicover.pdfWed, 20 Feb 2008 08:50:54 +0200 Lawyers acting for the Council for Medical Schemes have sent a letter of demand to the Medical Chronicle in response to a defamatory article appearing in the January issue of this publication. To read the Newsflash detailing the above, please click on the link: You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the attachment. The reader may be downloaded from: www.adobe.com http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/News_Flash_01_of_2007.pdfThu, 24 Jan 2008 12:44:25 +0200 Friday, 28 December 2007 - For immediate release The Registrar of Medical Schemes, Mr Patrick Masobe, has warned hospital groups that he intends to take them to court if they persist in their demands relating to 2008 tariff increases. For further information, please click on the Link. Kind regards Council for Medical Schemes Communications Unit http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/Press%20Release%208%20of%202007.pdfFri, 28 Dec 2007 12:58:36 +0200 The Registrar of Medical Schemes, T. Patrick Masobe, has today published decisions made on approval of benefit options for the 2008 financial year for open medical schemes. Medical schemes are required by law to submit any changes to benefits and contributions to the Registrar for approval prior to these changes coming into effect. For 2007, some 186 benefit options in 37 open schemes have been assessed. 133 benefit options have been approved (or 72% of the total) and 49 options or 26% of total have been rejected and sent back to schemes for reconsideration. Full details, by scheme and benefit option, are available on www.medicalschemes.com under circulars. The Registrar advises members to exercise caution when signing for new benefit options for 2008 and to check that their schemes have received the necessary approval. We have again reminded schemes that no rule amendments shall be valid unless they have been approved by the Registrar, and have requested that they correct and resubmit the offending benefit options as soon as possible. To access the full Circular, please click on the Heading of this feed. http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Press%20Releases/Press_Release_7_of_2007_Benefit_Options.pdfWed, 05 Dec 2007 09:55:02 +0200 The Office would like to inform all stakeholders that we are currently in the process of developing the IT specifications in respect of the 2008 quarterly statutory return. All schemes are therefore requested to furnish the Office with suggestions and comments....http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/Circulars/Circular_45_of_2007_Quarterly_return_Changes%20_2008.pdfFri, 30 Nov 2007 09:58:55 +0200 The Department of Health has published the National Health Reference Price List (NHRPL) for 2008. The list may be accessed on the DOH website. The link is also provided on the home page of our website.... http://www.doh.gov.za/docs/nhrpl-f.htmlFri, 30 Nov 2007 09:57:29 +0200 The Council for Medical Schemes has published its Quarter 3 newsletter. This edition looks at issues of fraud in our ongoing series on the fit and proper status of officers of medical schemes.... http://www.medicalschemes.com/publications/ZipPublications/CMS%20News/CMS_News_2nd_Edition.pdfFri, 30 Nov 2007 09:53:46 +0200