The Ministry of Finance has terminated the medical aid benefits of 15 162 retired government employees who do not contribute to the Public Services Employees Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS).
The ministry in a media statement on Tuesday said in terms of the staff rules, it conducted a PSEMAS membership verification project in which it was established that 15 162 retired staff members are not contributing to the fund and have failed to re-apply for medical aid at retirement, even though they fully benefited from the scheme since retirement.
According to the Public Services Staff Rules, a retiree must apply on the prescribed application form for membership of PSEMAS at the Ministry of Finance within 90 days from the date of retirement and if they fail to do so, their membership can be suspended or terminated.
“It was further established that a segment of these retirees withdrew their full pension benefits and it is required that contribution for PSEMAS should be deducted from pension benefits monthly. In line with the staff rules and the findings of the verification project, the ministry resolved to terminate the medical aid of the affected members on 03 September 2021,” said the statement.
It added that all government employees are informed upon retirement through the retirement letter that they should apply within 90 days if they wish to continue with PSEMAS medical aid benefits.
“The ministry urges all staff members in the public service, especially those nearing the age of retirement, to acquaint themselves with the staff rules and regulations on PSEMAS to avoid forfeiting their medical aid benefit,” the ministry said.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency