Cape Argus reports that South Africans who have medical aid cover should brace themselves for steep increases next year, with most medical schemes set to hike their contributions by double-digit figures.  

Discovery Health Medical Scheme said it would cap its increase at 10.2%, with hikes across its 22 options ranging from 7.8% to 14.9%.  Bonitas said it would up its contributions by 11.9% across all its options, while Momentum would cap its increases at 11%.  Dr Bobby Ramasia of Bonitas said that to limit healthcare cost increases, the scheme was implementing cost-containment solutions, including negotiating rates with healthcare providers and hospital groups.

• A short report by Sipokazi Fokazi is at Cape Argus

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