Introduction of primary health care for employees in payclasses 2 to 6

Dear colleagues and students

The University of Cape Town recognises that access to quality and affordable health care is key for all staff members. UCT also recognises that existing health care plans available at the institution do not necessarily offer suitable options for everyone.

Out of this recognition, I am pleased to announce that UCT has procured a primary health care solution for employees in payclasses 2 to 6. The successful service provider is Kaelo Health and the plan is Kaelo MyHealth Plus.

The introduction of this benefit follows the substantive agreement signed with the coalition of unions in 2019, which committed the parties (UCT and the unions) to further consultations on the introduction of primary health care, to be introduced by this year. The agreement also states that the cost per employee will be deducted from their cost of employment.

Through Kaelo MyHealth Plus, staff in payclasses 2 to 6 will enjoy access to extensive primary health care benefits through a network of providers in the private sector. These include general practitioners, specialists, dentists, optometrists, pharmacists, radiologist and pathologist. Members will also have access to annual health screening, hospital trauma cover and death cover.

Membership of Kaelo MyHealth Plus will be compulsory for all employees in payclasses 2 to 6 from 1 July 2019. Premiums are paid by way of a payroll deduction. Kaelo MyHealth Plus will also be made available to employees’ dependents through an application process (terms and conditions apply). Staff and dependents joining with effect from 1 July 2019 will be accepted without any waiting periods. Staff currently on a registered medical aid may remain on their existing medical aid. Proof of cover must be provided.

Kaelo has been hosting member information sessions at various venues since 4 June, and these will continue until 19 June 2019. Details of dates and venues are being communicated through the departments and by way of SMS to qualifying staff. Product and other information, already distributed to staff in hard copy format, will soon be available on the UCT Human Resources website. I urge staff to take the time to attend the presentations and review the documents. These information sessions will provide clear guidelines on benefits and how to access services.

Finally, we are excited to inform you that, as part of this review, employees in payclasses 2 to 6 will also have access to a primary health clinic based on campus. Further details of the clinic will be communicated as soon as all logistics are finalised.

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements