Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) announced that it will cover the costs of claims overpayments after member outcry and public pressure.
This follows the scheme’s decision that about 16 000 of its members on five of the premium plans must repay money due to a financial system error that led to incorrect payment of medicine claims, reported Moneyweb (12 January 2026).
According to estimates Discovery’s overpayment liabilities range between R50m and R250m.
“The administrator’s initial handling of the situation sparked intense criticism, but its latest announcement marks a significant shift intended to protect affected members on high‑end plans.
“The initial notifications sent to members drew widespread frustration. Many criticised the ‘tone‑deaf’ letters, which referred to the issue only as an ‘error’ that was ‘made’ without clear accountability.
“More baffling was the omission of dates on the letters and the fact that they were signed by the Chief Operating Officer rather than the CEO, Dr Ron Whelan.