Momentum Health: Younger members aid solvency level

Momentum Health generated a R143 million surplus last year, growing its solvency level to 31 percent. It achieved this despite 7 percent membership growth as it attracted younger members. High growth levels normally decrease schemes’ solvency levels as they first have to build reserves for new members. But Momentum Health members’ average age decreased to 42.6 years from 45, and this was responsible for the improved risk. The scheme’s claims ratio stabilised at 80 percent. Some initiatives that have helped it attract younger members include its health rewards programme, Multiply. It also introduced a provider choice model that gave members an option to save up to 35 percent on their contributions if they used specific health-care providers. – Londiwe Buthelezi