Over the counter limit without notice

To say I am disappointed in LA Health would be an understatement. We have been paying into this medical aid for over 10 years, and now suddenly we are restricted in accessing over-the-counter medication. As if that wasn’t frustrating enough, I was shocked to discover that even prescribed medication from a doctor is no longer covered.

My son recently underwent a circumcision and was prescribed medication afterwards. When I went to collect it from the pharmacy, I was told that our over-the-counter funds had been depleted, and the medication could not be dispensed. This is unacceptable.

Why are we paying hundreds of thousands of rands per year for medical aid, only to be limited in how we can use the benefits? How is a family of four expected to survive on just R4,000 per year for medication? We hardly ever use the hospital benefits, yet still face these unreasonable restrictions.

What’s worse is that Discovery doesn’t seem interested in addressing our concerns. I called Khaya Ndlovu on the 15th of July, and he casually told me that if I’m unhappy, I’m welcome to cancel the scheme—as if our loyalty and business meant nothing. His justification for the medication limit was that some people abuse the fund. Frankly, that’s not my problem. We are responsible members who deserve access to the benefits we pay for.

At this point, I am seriously considering taking our business elsewhere.