GEMS under fire over contribution hike

Pressure is mounting on the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) to reconsider its latest contribution increase, as unions and members warn that rising premiums are becoming unaffordable for many public servants.

GEMS, which serves more than two million beneficiaries, initially announced a 9.8% increase in member contributions for 2026, later revising it slightly down to 9.5%.

The adjustment follows last year’s 13.4% hike, which has fueled frustration among public servants who say cumulative increases are pricing members out of private healthcare.

Following engagements with the scheme, public service unions affiliated with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) held nationwide pickets, including a protest at GEMS headquarters in Pretoria on Thursday, demanding lower contributions.

COSATU spokesperson, Zanele Sabela, said the successive increases have effectively forced some members off the scheme.

However, not all stakeholders oppose the adjustment.

Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta, has voiced support for the increase, arguing that members must consider the long-term sustainability of the fund.

While acknowledging the financial pressure facing households, he said managing a scheme of GEMS’ size requires balancing immediate affordability with future stability.

“Healthcare costs in South Africa continue to rise faster than inflation. Medical schemes also operate under strict regulation. The Council for Medical Schemes requires adequate reserves to ensure that claims are paid,” Makaneta said.

Supporters argue that maintaining adequate reserves is both a legal and ethical obligation to protect members’ benefits.

As frustration grows, stakeholders say sustained engagement between unions, members and GEMS leadership will be critical in finding a solution that safeguards both affordability and the scheme’s long-term viability.

📍COSATU Public Service Unions Challenge GEMS Fee Hikes.

Our members were on the grohnd today and have submitted a memorandum to the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) Board opposing the proposed increases to medical aid contributions.#GEMSSusiqhela #IAmASchoolFan pic.twitter.com/5ed5WSECwh

— SADTU Gauteng (@SADTU_Gauteng) February 26, 2026

#GEMS Board represents the primary interests of capital at the Government Employees Medical Scheme and not the workers who are the members of the medical aid scheme, declares #DENOSA, #NEHAWU, #SADTU, #POPCRU, #PAWUSA, #SAMATU & #SAEPU @Newzroom405 @pscbcnews @GEMSMEDICALAID pic.twitter.com/IfXHBTyn4g

— @COSATU Today (@_cosatu) February 27, 2026

GEMS medical aid charge their members crazy exorbitant membership fees and such members are required to use Public hospitals. Very sad complaints I’ve seen about this notorious GEMS medical aid. @MYANC and its useless COSATU failed state employees pic.twitter.com/X4hccBSv9z

— Lunga (@LLunga18) January 16, 2026

The government needs to dismantle @GEMSMEDICALAID and allow subsidies to other medical aid.

This monopoly is day light robbery..#Gems @GovernmentZA

— Saint 🙏 (@Thee_CEO8) February 25, 2026

Written by: Realeboga Nke