A formidable challenge to regulation 8 of the PMB legislation is being mounted by Genesis Medical Scheme and SAMWUMED in a court action against the Minster of Health. We are reliably informed that the Department of Health has decided not to oppose this action.

If successful, this will see all PMBs being remunerated at scheme rate only. It is anticipated that regulations will require that service providers accept the scheme rate without allowance for charging any co-payment. It is further feared that certain schemes may elect to reduce rates at which they reimburse PMBs conditions to state hospital rates.