The Medical Aid Society of Malawi (MASM) has revised member contribution rates and benefit packages effective July 1, 2021 following a careful evaluation of the post Covid-19 pandemic implications and effects.
MASM CEO Sydney Chikoti in announcing the adjustments explained that it was in accordance with the Board of Trustees December 5, 2020 AGM resolution in Mzuzu not to increase the rates at the peak period of Covid-19 whose negative economic effects on members were severe towards the end of 2020 and first quarter of 2021.
"That meant any revision was subject to re-evaluation of the post Covid-19 pandemic implications and effects." said Chikoti. "Having assessed performance in the intervening period and analysis of economic trends, the Board at its recent sitting approved that monthly contribution rates be revised on average by 12.5% with effect from July 1, 2021."
He said the Board remained mindful of the economic challenges experienced by members during the previous review date of July 1, 2020 considering the additional pressure adjustments would have brought to the membership and resultant expectations of service providers. but resolved that the revision of the contribution rates go together with increases on benefits.
Chikoti assured members that the Board shall in this regards continue watching and reviewing the operations of the Society for its sustainability of utilization while assuring members of access to medical carethey are accustomed to in consideration of all factors including the reviewed utilization over the past 12 months that has come with an approval to increase benefit packages to ease members' access to services.
He called on MASM employees to maintain the quest for excellence as demonstrated throughout the 2020/2021 Financial Year when the Society won US Agency for International Development (USAID) special recognition for standing out despite the troubled waters of 2020 aggravated by Covid-19 pandemic.
"I appeal to all MASM employees to remain constantly effective in the good manner members are being attended without unnecessary delays especially in the difficult times of Covid-19 when the focus requirement is to turn members worrying situations lesser severe." said Chikoti.
