Ill treatment of a person with disabililties

Despite multiple follow-ups, including my most recent engagement today which prompted an unnecessary escalation, the claims for the dates 3 April, 13 May, 20 May, and 27 May, remain in a "processing" state with no resolution in sight. This is a direct violation denial and unreasonable delay in providing access to disability-related medical equipment and violoates by Constitutional rights (Sections 9, 10, and 27); The PEPUDA (anti-************** law); The Medical Schemes Act, if Discovery is in breach of claim obligations; And South Africa’s international obligations under the UNCRPD.

It is wholly unacceptable that essential claims are delayed to the point where the only options being presented to the patient are to either request an advance from the pharmacy or to pay out-of-pocket and seek reimbur*****t. This is especially concerning given that Discovery positions itself as a service leader in healthcare administration.

These delays have caused undue stress and placed the risk of medical non-compliance due to the inability to access medication timeously. This undermines the very essence of what a medical aid provider should offer—reliable, accessible, and prompt support for members’ healthcare needs.

I hereby call upon Discovery Health to:

Immediately expedite the processing and payment of the outstanding claims.

Provide a clear explanation for the continued delays.

Offer written assurance that such processing lapses will be addressed going forward.

Should this matter not be resolved with urgency, I will have no choice but to escalate the complaint formally to the Council for Medical Schemes.

Your urgent attention is expected and appreciated.