Government medical aid benefits changed to cover children until age 25 instead of 21. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare approved the Public Service Medical Aid Scheme updates starting June 1st. Unemployed children, single members and students can stay covered longer with annual proof of school enrollment. Dead members can pass benefits to eldest children who meet specific requirements. The Office of the Prime Minister confirmed these rule changes yesterday.
Children taking over benefits must apply within three months of the parent's death. Coverage lasts one year at a time but ends completely at age 25 regardless of student status. Government pension funds pay the costs rather than requiring children to make payments. Benefits transfer to other qualifying children when the current holder loses eligibility. Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah wants stronger oversight to reduce scheme abuse.
The medical scheme faced major fraud problems with 84 doctors accused of stealing millions. Officials recovered 47 million dollars from fake claims during 2023 investigations. Budget allocation increased from 3 billion to 3.62 billion dollars for the coming financial year. Economist Josef Sheehama praised the changes as necessary during expensive healthcare times. Policy expert Marius Kudumo warned about long-term financial sustainability concerns.
Children taking over benefits must apply within three months of the parent's death. Coverage lasts one year at a time but ends completely at age 25 regardless of student status. Government pension funds pay the costs rather than requiring children to make payments. Benefits transfer to other qualifying children when the current holder loses eligibility. Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah wants stronger oversight to reduce scheme abuse.
The medical scheme faced major fraud problems with 84 doctors accused of stealing millions. Officials recovered 47 million dollars from fake claims during 2023 investigations. Budget allocation increased from 3 billion to 3.62 billion dollars for the coming financial year. Economist Josef Sheehama praised the changes as necessary during expensive healthcare times. Policy expert Marius Kudumo warned about long-term financial sustainability concerns.
