Thread by @sindivanzyl

I'm going to do a thread on medical aid and networks later

Hashtag #MedicalAidNetwork

#MedicalAidNetwork

If you choose a plan that locks you into a network, this is what it means

• you go to the doctors on the list from your medical aid

• you go to the hospitals on the list from your medical aid

#MedicalAidNetwork

If you choose to go to a doctor or a hospital that is not on your medical aid's network, you have to pay a levy

That amount that you pay is determined by your medical aid

The system is designed to deter you from going to a non-network doctor or hospital

#MedicalAidNetwork

Please make sure you read your contract with your medical aid

Make sure you understand what you have signed up for

Check if your plan has specific pharmacies that you must use. Because again you may have to pay a levy for using a non-network pharmacy

#MedicalAidNetwork

Using myself as an example

There is a "by invite-only" network that I do not belong to

The medical aid pays me R227 for seeing their patients

My consultation is R400

Those patients will have to pay me the difference because my consultation is not R227

#MedicalAidNetwork

As we tighten our belts, many of us are going to be downgrading our medical aid plans

Make sure you ask about your new plan and if you'll be forced to be part of a network