September 2009 | Issue 38

The medical schemes industry has undergone significant changes in the past few years, this has resulted in Liberty Health Medical Scheme consistently exploring ways to give our members better value and increased levels of efficiency.

In recent months we've been considering a merger with Medicover Medical Scheme, which has multiple benefits for you as a member. Your medical scheme will be stronger, deliver improved benefits and provide cost-saving opportunities.

1. A much stronger scheme – The amalgamation of the two schemes will result in the fourth largest open scheme in the country. As a more dominant force in the industry we'll be able to negotiate improved benefits and services for you. With a stronger market position, the scheme will also grow, resulting in an even more stable and competitive scheme in the future.
2. A wider choice of benefit options – you'll have access to a wider range of benefit options to choose from, which will be suited to a wider range of healthcare needs.
3. Reduction in overhead costs – with greater economies of scale, the scheme's fixed costs should come down over time.
4. Greater stability and reduced risk of high contribution increases – a larger membership base means a larger 'risk pool' and this makes for more stable and predictable claims. This means your member contributions should be more stable into the future.
5. Ease of transition – because both schemes are currently administered by the same administrator, you'll retain your existing membership number and there won't be any need for troublesome administrative changes.

So the benefits are there, but taking advantage of them depends on your participation and vote.

The deadline is 18 September 2009, so read on to find out more and cast your vote.

If you would like to access more information, please visit www.libmed.co.za where you can read the Exposition Document that we have prepared. This outlines all the relevant issues and advantages for you the member.

You can also call us at the Contact Centre 0860 002 163 should you have any questions. In addition, you are invited to attend regional presentations which have been arranged to present the proposal to you. Select a venue from the meeting schedule below that best suits you:

CENTRE	DATE	VENUE	TIME
Port Elizabeth	Tuesday, 8 September	Summer Strand Inn, Marine Drive, Summerstrand	19h00-20h00
East London	Wednesday, 9 September	Hotel Osner, Court Crescent, Beachfront, East London	19h00-20h00
Cape Town	Thursday, 10 September	Vineyard Hotel, Colinton Rd (off Protea Rd), Newlands	19h00-20h00
Johannesburg	Monday, 14 September	Theatre on the Track, 4A Kyalami Boulevard, Kyalami Park, Midrand	19h00-20h00
George	Tuesday, 15 September	Fancourt, Montagu Street, Blanco, George	19h00-20h00
Durban	Wednesday, 16 September	Suncoast Casino, Suncoast Boulevard, Marine Parade, Durban	19h00-20h00

We therefore suggest that you exercise your vote by downloading the Voting Form: click here. Fill it in and send it to KPMG who are auditing the process on behalf of both Liberty Health Medical Scheme and Medicover Medical Scheme. You can do this either by:

1. emailing it to vote@kpmg.co.za (or if you have previously informed the scheme of your email address, send an email to vote@kpmg.co.za with your Membership Number in the subject followed by Yes or No)
2. printing the form out, filling it in and and faxing it to 011 647 6139

Your vote must be submitted by 18 September 2009!

Remember, if you have any questions please call our Contact Centre on 0860 002 163.

Disclaimer:
Liberty Health and the Liberty Health Medical Scheme cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content of this electronic communication, which is provided for general information purposes only – no part of it constitutes medical advice. You should discuss matters with your doctor before making any decision. Liberty Health and the Liberty Health Medical Scheme will not accept responsibility for any direct or indirect loss or damage you may suffer as a result of using or relying on any information in this newsletter.