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Table 2 Overview of the SA NHI Bill released in August 2019 [source: [37]

From: A discourse and content analysis of representation in the mainstream media of the South African National Health Insurance policy from 2011 to 2019

Purpose of the Bill

Establish an NHI fund that through mandatory prepayment aims to achieve sustainable and affordable universal access to quality health services by:

â—‹ Serving as a single purchaser and payer to ensure equitable and fair distribution and use of health services

â—‹ Ensuring the sustainability of funding for health services

â—‹ Providing for equity and efficiency by pooling of funds and strategic purchasing from accredited and contracted health care service providers

Access to the fund

South Africans, permanent residents, refugees and inmates must register with the fund in order to be entitled to a package of benefits

Health facilities

The fund will purchase services on behalf of users at both private and public facilities that have been approved through an accreditation pro°°°cess

Governance of the fund

A Board that is accountable to the MoH will be established to govern the Fund

Financing

Money to pay for the fund will be provided from four named sources:

â—‹ General tax revenue

â—‹ Reallocation of medical scheme tax credit funds

â—‹ Payroll tax (employer and employee)

â—‹ Surcharge on personal income tax