A new medical aid service provider, which will accept to pay for services rendered by traditional doctors, has been launched.
Botlhe Medical Aid has made special arrangements for their members to be able to consult and be treated by traditional doctors.
Speaking at a media briefing, the Director of Botlhe Medical Aid, Kenosi Radiporo, outlined that the difference between Botlhe and other medical aid service providers is that they do not dictate who can be covered, therefore, making it possible for an individual to include members of the extended family.
Radiporo said that Botlhe, which literally translates to ‘everyone’, has “High benefits for low premiums.
This medical aid was established in conjunction with Unigem, a company formed by 5 main public sector unions with equal shareholding.
The company exists as an investment vehicle for the unions to realize sustainability and fulfill their quest to satisfactorily represent their members.
Finance Manager, Batlang Mosimakoko, told the media that they were aware of the challenges that existed due to other competitors but they are confident that they will succeed since their product embraces the African extended family values.
Mosimakoko further stated that they were motivated by their perception that Batswana had minimal access to quality health care and that the packages at Botlhe Medical Aid were tailored to cut across societal classes and be affordable to every Motswana who earns as little as P400.
Radiporo stated that packages were classified into three categories named the Basic, Classic and the Executive covers.
Basic offers up to P20 000 per annum and a member can have as many dependents as they want.
The Classic pays up to P120 000 per annum and the Executive pays up to P185 000 per annum.
With regards to the ongoing pricing saga between medical aid providers and private health practitioners, Radiporo explained that they were aware of the pre existing situation which had actually delayed the commencement of their operation. He, however, indicated that they did not in any way have a problem with the proposed balanced billing method and that they were currently in negotiations with the service providers.
To create national awareness, Radiporo stated that they were embarking on a nationwide road show to sell their product to Batswana.
