Medical aid fraud has become somewhat of a hot topic in recent months after The Times newspaper reported on the seriousness of the matter in the healthcare industry. However, it is not a new problem. Medical aid fraud has been going on for decades and both patients and practitioners are responsible for this illegal activity. In fact patients often collude with practitioners to defraud medical aids without thinking of the repercussions. For medical aid members this translates into rising monthly contributions with less benefits. For doctors and other healthcare providers, it is leading to a decline in payouts and less profitable private practice. Both doctors and patients need to realise that medical aid fraud is costing the, not just money – it could even lead to jail time.
SA Medical Aids
South Africa
