Hypertension was the top 10 chronic condition among SAMWUMED members in 2018. This is according to SAMWUMED’s Managed Care service provider, Medscheme.
Other conditions in the Top 10 included: – diabetes, asthma, heart disease and depression.
Hypertension leads to a high risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, says the Council for Medical Scheme (CMS). In its report titled Prevalence of chronic diseases in the population covered by medical schemes in South Africa – February 2017, CMS notes that In South Africa, 4.4 million people are estimated to be affected by hypertension, whilst worldwide, an estimated 1.13 billion live with the disease. Having said that, hypertension is treatable.
Fortunately, the condition is covered by SAMWUMED’s Chronic Illness Benefits under both Options A and B, says Ms Sindisiwe Ngcobo, SAMWUMED’s Clinical Risk Consultant.
A chronic condition is a persistent or otherwise long-lasting illness that may be longer than three months or lifelong. She added that the condition is among more than 26 other chronic conditions including cancer and HIV, covered by the Scheme in terms of diagnosis, treatment and medication.
In addition, the Scheme gives its members the best advice on the use of their chronic medication and also ensures that their chronic benefits are correctly used.
Ms Ngcobo, however, advised that members had to register onto the Chronic Condition Programme to be able to use the benefits.
How to register and obtain medication for a chronic condition
Treating doctors need to call Medscheme on: 0860 33 33 87 to register members.
For further information visit: www.samwumed.org or call the SAMWUMED Call Centre on 021 697 9000
