ActionSA MP, Kgosi Letlape, plans to introduce the Parliamentary and Provincial Medical Scheme Amendment Bill, reported BusinessLive (4 September 2025).
“This proposed legislation aims to abolish compulsory membership of the Parliamentary Medical Aid Scheme (Parmed) for Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Provincial Legislatures, and certain constitutional office bearers.
“Letlape argues that compulsory membership creates a ‘double standard’ by shielding MPs and other officials from the conditions faced by millions of South Africans who rely on the public health system. By making Parmed membership voluntary, the bill seeks to align with the voluntary membership principle under the Medical Schemes Act of 1998.”