Childcare benefits enhanced: Cover for TSH tests (to screen for congenital hypothyroidism), will be available on all options for children under a month old. Two electrophysiologic techniques, auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and otoacoustic emissions (OAE) will be funded from risk for all babies under 8 weeks old, in or out of hospital.
New benefit for contraceptives: To attract a younger client profile, there will be a benefit for contraceptives paid from risk on all plans. This will be as follows:
R1 500 on BonComprehensive (at any pharmacy)
R1 500 on BonClassic, BonComplete, BonSave, BonFit, Standard, Standard Select, Primary, Hospital Plus and Hospital Standard (from the Designated Service Provider)
R1 200 on BonEssential (from the Designated Service Provider)
R1 000 on BonCap (from the Designated Service Provider)
Internal prosthesis benefit added to BonSave and Primary: An internal prosthesis benefit of R30 000 per family, excluding the joint replacement prostheses, will be introduced on BonSave and Primary.
Improved Wellness Extender: The Wellness Extender benefit is an excellent way for members to maximise their benefits. It can be used for extra consultations with a GP, biokineticist, dietician or physiotherapist or a programme to stop smoking.
Unlimited terminal care: In 2018, an unlimited terminal care benefit will be available on all Bonitas options. This will ensure that members have access to care of the highest standard at all times, including end of life. The benefit provides access to unlimited hospice and private nursing care, with funding for pain management, counselling, social workers and home oxygen.
Separate dental benefit added to BonFit: The benefit will be paid from risk to help savings last longer and allow members to get more value for money.
Preventative care boosted: Bonitas has enhanced their preventative care benefits to ensure that illnesses can be detected earlier and allow for timeous intervention:
Pap smears for women over 21 years will be covered on BonEssential and BonCap, once every 3 years
Mammogram screenings for women over 40 will be covered on BonSave and Primary, once every 2 years
Bone density screenings for men aged 70 and over, once every 5 years will be covered on BonClassic and BonComprehensive