1 reviews | Active since Aug 2018
Double digit increase of premiums
One always expects price increases that are in line with inflation therefore it came as a surprise that Affinity Health's premium increased by more than 12%.
I believe this is very odd, more especially since official inflation figures for 2020 were below 6%. An article published in March 2020 noted "CPI for personal care perked up by 2.3% year-on-year from 1.7% previously. Furthermore, the February 2020 survey for medical aid and private health care costs revealed a jump in insurance inflation to 7.7% year-on-year (7.1% previously) - the highest level in two years" Source: https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/spike-in-medical-costs-as-a-result-of-inflation-***7
It therefore means Affinity increased their premiums by inflation + 5%. I find this to be quite inconsiderate, especially when one considers the financial challenges that many have faced. Lastly, most people received salary increases of less than 3%.
Thank you for your comments and raising your concerns with us.
We are very conscious of the hardships facing South Africans not only brought about by the pandemic, but also by the general economic conditions we are all facing. As a low cost provider of benefits to those who are typically unable to afford a full medical scheme, we cannot only consider the premium, but have had to adjust our benefit offering to offer our members a more holistic benefit and service offering to meet their particular needs during this difficult time.
As an Affinity Health customer you would have received your increase notification letter detailing the new and enhanced benefit offerings as well as important changes applicable to your product which informed the final increase.
You will note benefit enhancements in key and relevant areas including expansion of our services including Telehealth, Maternity and Disease Management Programmes as well as enhancements in our Diagnostic and Home Nursing benefits. Focusing on continuous service delivery and effective utilisation of all our member benefits has always been a key factor in Affinity’s success.
Our client service team remains available to address the detail of your concerns and our records reflect that you have recently availed yourself of this option.
We would encourage you to keep engaging with us to ensure that you make the most of the benefits and services available to you thereby maximising the value you personally obtain from your plan.
Kind Regards
Affinity Health Management Team
Thank you for your comments and raising your concerns with us.
We are very conscious of the hardships facing South Africans not only brought about by the pandemic, but also by the general economic conditions we are all facing. As a low cost provider of benefits to those who are typically unable to afford a full medical scheme, we cannot only consider the premium, but have had to adjust our benefit offering to offer our members a more holistic benefit and service offering to meet their particular needs during this difficult time.
As an Affinity Health customer you would have received your increase notification letter detailing the new and enhanced benefit offerings as well as important changes applicable to your product which informed the final increase.
You will note benefit enhancements in key and relevant areas including expansion of our services including Telehealth, Maternity and Disease Management Programmes as well as enhancements in our Diagnostic and Home Nursing benefits. Focusing on continuous service delivery and effective utilisation of all our member benefits has always been a key factor in Affinity’s success.
Our client service team remains available to address the detail of your concerns and our records reflect that you have recently availed yourself of this option.
We would encourage you to keep engaging with us to ensure that you make the most of the benefits and services available to you thereby maximising the value you personally obtain from your plan.
Kind Regards
Affinity Health Management Team