Failure to approve Immunotherapy-Keytruda

Dear Fedhealth

Today, we received the news that my moms case for the Oncology Drug - Keytruda was declined.

I remind you of your promises stated on your Facebook page "With Fedhealth, you dont have to choose between the things you really want, and the medical aid you really need'.

Fedhealths Vision and Mission statement - "When you join Fedhealth, you join more than just a reputable medical aid. You become part of our family, one that always has your back, expertly takes care of your healthcare needs with extensive option range, and is a phone call away when you need us. At Fedhealth, family takes care of family, so join us today!".

Fedhealth as a fammily we are dismayed and sadened of the way our moms case has been handled. The clear message you have sent us as a family is that my mom is merely a medical aid number in your system, as family would not treat family this way. Your promises are empty.

This case was last looked a one week ago. When i called into Oncology to ask the timeline on the case a lady (not Claudene) mentioned that the financial board only sit with files on a Thursday. The only way to get attention from Fedhealth was to put up a disgruntled comment on your Facebook page. Funny when one resorts to the social media platform calls from Fedhealth come through very quickly.

You state that there is a Oncology benefit of R 480 400.00 that can be used. This money is already in the pool for a member to utilize however you say that you will not approve 'Keytruda' which in my moms case is the ONLY medication that works on Melanoma Cancer.

In a nutshell and in my opinion you have just put a death sentence over her head.

Many years ago my mom had the option to change medical aids in her teaching proffesion but she decided to stay on Fedhealth as she is old school and believes in loyalty, however it seem loyalty stopped with her. Most of her teaching collegues changed medical aids, pity that she didnt.

Sorry Fedhealth, I am not going to leave things here. I shall be warning people not to take medical cover with you. When a person has cancer, hours and minutes count. Sadly Fedhealth left us hanging for a whole week when you should have just stated up front that you as a Company dont honour this drug regardless of medical aid plans.

Anne Robins (Daughter to Joan Robins) ***