NT
Natania T

1 reviews | Active since Apr 2014

09 May 2024, 09:31

Bonitas refusing life changing medication

Today I am here to share my utter disgust with Bonitas, my long term "medical aid". I will attach an image of their feedback on this complaint regarding a chronic medication request.

I was diagnosed with a fatty liver and high cholesterol after my gallbladder was removed 3 weeks ago. On top of this, I am at high risk for oesophagus cancer as I have Barret's oesophagus, too. Further, I have an underactive thyroid and insulin resistance - leaving me to be overweight. Bonitas don't pay for Saxenda or bariatric surgery - but now, on top of that, Bonitas is refusing to pay for my cholesterol medication. I am seeing an extremely expensive endocrinologist, Dr Sita Kara, who is R3500 per visit, to assist me in my journey with my body. As seen on the feedback from Bonitas, a random call centre human wants to tell this doctor to lower my dosage. ARE YOU SERIOUS???? Who the HELL does Bonitas think they are to tell doctors to prescribe different medications. I am not getting any side effects on these meds, and if Bonitas honestly had their members' best interest at heart and my health, they would've supported a professional doctor in her decisions and dosages.

Furthermore, I have a family history with these illnesses. I am a patient with an extremely high-risk family history as well - my grandfather had extremely high cholesterol and, during his lifetime, underwent 3 heart bypass operations.... He died eventually as a result of Alzheimer's due to blocked arteries in his brain and, consequently, lack of oxygen supply... My uncle underwent his first bypass operation at age 60, 3 years ago.. My grandmother has hypertension and currently struggles with heart issues - she died last week.

If Bonitas refuse to approve this medication - you can clearly see that Dr even prescribed the highest dose of medication - I will be taking this further. After contacting hello peter,I will take this to Google reviews and social media - I will also contact the press and tell the world outside how little Bonitas care for their members who keep the fund alive ... I will review you everywhere I possibly can, and despite that, should something happen to me - that I get a heart attack, stroke or need to undergo surgery and something happens, and/or get Alzheimer's like my grandad, I WILL PUT IN A CLAIM AGAINST BONITAS for refusal of REALLY IMPORTANT MEDICATION to prevent further increase of Cholesterol and reflux which can cause cancer.

0
Replies (3)
Bonitas Medical Fund
Bonitas Medical Fund's reply09 May 2024, 09:50
Official
 Hello Natania 

Thank you for notifying us of your complaint. We are so sorry to hear about this, we are glad that you brought this to our attention to resolve. 
 
We will investigate this matter. 
 
We appreciate your patience while we are resolving this query for you. 
 
Kind regards
 
Bonitas Team 
NT
Natania T's update13 May 2024, 11:59
Reviewer Update
Good day,

It's now 13 May, and not ONE person from Bonitas has contacted me regarding this review. I've emailed this review to the chronic department as well. And people reading this, this is why you shouldn't sign up with Bonitas - the lack of client service is ridiculous! You and your health is not seen as important at all.
NT
Natania T's update16 May 2024, 15:43
Reviewer Update
Today is 16 May - no response or feedback. Its time to refill my medication and Bonitas is totally silence. DONT SIGN UP WITH BONITAS! You receive a copy and paste response and no one follows through.