MILDURA Health Fund is returning $6 million to its members as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
MHF received fewer member hospital claims than it typically would, due to the impact of COVID-19, and will return those savings to members.
The latest returns will mean the fund has given back $12 million in 12 months, after the same initiative last June.
More than 13,500 policyholders are expected to receive a payment between $175.05 and $799.47 depending on their level of cover, with the average payment being $444.12.
Mildura Health Fund chief executive Gerard Op de Coul said it would be of great benefit not only to the fund’s members, but the community as a whole.
“For our members who may be doing it tough, we hope this will help to ease some of the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and that they can use it in a way that is valuable to them,” he said.
“We anticipate over $4.1 million of the $6 million will be injected back into the Sunraysia community, which further supports local businesses who may still be recovering from the effects of COVID or dealing with the current economic times.
“It reinforces that as a member-owned health fund, our members are our first priority.”
Shaun Johns and wife Erin Nunan Johns joined Mildura Health Fund 18 months ago, wanting peace of mind for their young family.
Six months ago they welcomed their second son, Noah, and said the cash return would help with day-to-day expenses.
“It’s brilliant that a not-for-profit is giving money back to its members,” Shaun said.
“For us, it will help with some household bills, particularly given the rising cost of living.”
The payments will be made to MHF members who held an active hospital policy on December 31, 2022 and had been a member for at least three months prior.
Members will be contacted and advised how much they can expect to receive, with deposits to be made directly into nominated bank accounts or by cheque by the end of May.
