Who we are
GEMS was registered on 1 January 2005 specifically to meet the healthcare needs of Government Employees. We offer five excellent healthcare benefit options: Sapphire, Beryl, Ruby, Emerald Value, Emerald and Onyx. Our goal is to help public service employees and their families to get the best possible healthcare at the most affordable rate.
Before GEMS…
Many employees could not afford medical cover, Belonging to a medical scheme has continuously become more expensive, Employees did not receive the best value for their money, There was little integration with the public health system, Employees had no healthcare benefits created with their unique needs in mind
The government, who contributes greatly to its employees’ scheme payments, had no opportunity to participate in the management of a medical scheme on which public service employees are part of.
The introduction of GEMS
The beginning of GEMS was a historic moment when in 2002, Cabinet approved a framework policy on a restricted (closed) medical scheme for further development by an interdepartmental working group (departments of Public Service and Administration, National Treasury, Health, Education, Correctional Services and SAPS). The approved framework policy centered on the principles of equity, efficiency and differentiation:
Equity where employees have equal access to the most extensive set of equal basic benefits under equitable remuneration structures, subject to affordability.
Efficiency regarding the costs and delivery of benefits.
Differentiation, where employees choosing more extensive cover have equal access to higher benefits subject to their needs.
Government’s commitment to an equitable and affordable medical scheme
Cabinet gave the development and implementation of GEMS intense consideration, relying on substantial research and data analyses. The implementation of GEMS is a positive step that positions government as an employer of choice that truly cares for the health and wellbeing of its employees.
On 3 November 2004 after careful consideration of the findings of a detailed feasibility study conducted in the same year, Cabinet approved that the Department of Public Service continue to work on the:
Registration of a restricted membership medical scheme for public service employees;
The establishment of the Scheme’s governance and management structure;
The development of a member enrolment strategy in consultation with National Treasury; and
Enhancing an understanding of the possible risks and costs involved.
Source from: GEMS website