Managing the business of a medical scheme

US8554578B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Discovery Limited · ZA

Inventors

• Ryan Lance Levin · Johannesburg, ZA
• Adrian Gore · Randburg, ZA
• Neville Stanley Koopowitz · Sandton, ZA

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 30, 2008
• Grant date: Oct 8, 2013
• Expiry date: Dec 1, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G16H40/20
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

The method of the invention provides incentives for medical scheme members to minimize medical expenses both by responsible use of the benefits of the scheme, and also by offering positive incentives to members to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to make use of preventative procedures and pre-treatment medical advice facilities. A number of health-related facilities and/or services (such as membership of health clubs, gymnasiums or fitness programs) are offered to the medical scheme members, and the members are allocated points for using these facilities. Members are also allocated points for using predetermined preventive medical procedures and medical advice services. Rewards are allocated to members based on their points accrued, and the reward may include a payback of premium payments.