Alarm over maternity tariff agreement delay

Dubai: The delayed agreement between Mediclinic Middle East hospitals and a few insurance companies has raised alarm among expectant mothers in Dubai.

Pregnant women registered with Mediclinic Middle East hospitals such as Welcare and City Hospitals are worried after learning that the hospital group has increased its annual tariff by five to six per cent, Gulf News can reveal.

The new tariff was supposed to take effect from January 1, 2013. The date has been deferred until the end of the month.

The tariff does not directly affect patients. However it affects insurance companies, and indirectly patients who have sought maternity insurance cover.

The increase could mean that insurance companies may not accept the new tariff, leaving pregnant women nearing their delivery with no option but to pay themselves or find another hospital.

The increased tariff is being questioned by insurance companies who have refused to extend their contract.

The matter now involves the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

A first-time British mother, who did not want to be named, said she was due to deliver in the first week of February at Mediclinic City Hospital. She told Gulf News that she was negotiating with her insurance company to ensure that the costs would be reimbursed.

She said: “I may not be covered by insurance. I don’t have time, so I have to look at other hospitals which means a new doctor. Having a baby isn’t routine surgery. You spend nine months building a relationship with someone who you trust to deliver your baby. For me, that has now been shattered.”

Her insurance company informed her that it anticipates new rules and regulations if the dispute is not resolved.

Several members of a Dubai-based online lifestyle forum posted comments expressing their concern.

They highlighted the issue with certain insurance companies refusing to pay after January 31. “Insurance companies will be refusing to do direct billing with any of their [Mediclinic Middle East] hospitals and clinics. Two of my friends are now absolutely scuppered with only weeks to go till they’re due,” posted one member.

Another said that her pregnant friend who is due to deliver February found out that her current insurance will not pay for delivery or outpatient appointments after January.

Resident Wendy Best, who is 39 weeks pregnant and due to deliver in a week, told Gulf News that she is covered by Axa Gulf and due to deliver at Mediclinic City Hospital. “I wasn’t informed of the tariff increase. I am thankful that it won’t affect me.”

When approached by Gulf News, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) said: “The DHA is well aware of this situation and has been in talks with the concerned health service provider as well as all insurance companies operating in Dubai.”

Speaking to Gulf News on Mediclinic Middle East’s tariff revision, Dr Pietie Loubser, chief clinical officer of the hospital group said: “Mediclinic Middle East is currently in negotiations with the medical insurance schemes regarding our proposed annual tariff increase of approximately 5-6 per cent. We have decided to defer this increase until January 31, 2013, to conclude these discussions. Medical insurance schemes that have accepted the revised agreement will continue with their direct billing arrangements.”

An insurance company added: “Each year hospitals and clinics increase the costs of their treatments. We have negotiated these increases with all our providers, except one — Mediclinic Middle East. The majority of insurers have refused to sign off on these increases.”