Check your medical aid… now

Stella La Reservee, Vaalbank, Hlobane, writes:-

DO YOU know anyone who has cancer? Does one of your family have cancer? Does a loved one have cancer? Does a close friend have cancer? I can guarantee that these days we can all say “yes” to any one of these questions. Cancer seems to be a plague of the 21st century.

Nothing, or very little is known about it by the man-in-the street, mainly because it used to be a death sentence and thus was only spoken of in whispers, or behind closed doors – but no longer! There are so many good treatments and so many oncologists and radiographers who are dedicated to helping people beat, or at least, manage this disease.

I found myself thrust into this situation when my husband was unexpectedly diagnosed with the dreaded Big C. This is the beginning of a long, slow road, taken one step and one day at a time.

We have a medical aid and felt quite safe and relieved when our oncologist put my husband onto their oncology programme. At this time, when emotions are at a maximum and stress levels beyond the roof, this seems like a glimmer of hope in the black fog we found ourselves.

After hearing horror stories of massive debts and financial stress, I thought at least this would be one less thing to worry about.

Was I wrong!

OK, my medical aid is not bad, in fact, up to this point I would have recommended anyone to join as we had enjoyed excellent service.

It transpires that it matters very much what plan one is on, as to the amount of expenses that will be covered. I have found that we will be liable for a percentage levy on all treatments, also, some requests will not be met.

The main matter is that if the oncologist is not a member of ICON (Independent Clinical Oncology Network) then the liability of there being more costs to you will be higher.

There are options from your medical aid that can be taken, but personally, we did not find these out until we were deep into the situation. Our choice of Oncologist was also against us, as we chose the best one, who actually visits Vryheid weekly, but he is not a member of ICON.

There are many more unseen things that I am still finding out. I still believe wholly in medical aid, but please, I urge everyone to investigate this situation thoroughly, even if you are young and healthy, and even if there is no cancer in your family.

To find out now what your personal medical aid’s rulings are on this disease will save a lot of emotional decisions being made, financial distress and anger if you are ever faced with this situation.

Through all this dreadful situation, I can say that Vryheid is an awesome place to be. The people are kind, generous, comforting, and always asking about the both of us. It is such a comfort to know that this is not something we have to go through alone, because our families have been awesome, and our fantastic community makes us feel comforted and down-right loved!

Thank You Vryheid!!