JOHANNESBURG - Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) members face a 9.5% contribution increase.
The Council for Medical Schemes has rejected GEMS' request to lower the rate to 7.5%.
The Council says this increase will not adequately address the scheme's financial and solvency risks.
READ | GEMS contribution increase rejected by unions
Instead, an increase of 9.5% is needed to ensure GEMS is able to meet future claims and remain financially sustainable.
The council acknowledges the concerns around affordability.
But it points out that it needs to balance affordability with the long-term financial health of the scheme.
GEMS has accepted the decision and says it will continue working to contain costs.