Why two medical aid contribution figures can both look right

A scheme quote, broker illustration and payslip can show three amounts for what appears to be one month’s medical aid contribution. The quickest response is to recalculate. The more useful first step is to ask whether all three figures describe the same thing.

Start with the effective date

Medical scheme contributions commonly change annually. An application prepared near a rate change may use a new table while payroll still reflects an earlier deduction period. Record the date on each source and the month the amount is meant to cover.

Confirm the membership composition

The principal member, adult dependant and child dependant rates may differ. A birthday, newborn registration or dependant removal can shift the category mix. Write down the category used for each person rather than relying only on the family total.

Separate gross contribution from the member’s share

An employer subsidy can make a payslip deduction lower than the total payable to the scheme. Compare gross scheme contribution with gross scheme contribution; then reconcile the employer and employee portions separately. Tax treatment is a different question and may require payroll or tax advice.

Look for timing adjustments

A first deduction may include a partial month, an arrear adjustment or a correction from a previous cycle. Label these once-off amounts. Mixing them into the recurring monthly contribution can make a correct rate appear wrong.

Build a small reconciliation

For each figure, note its source, effective period, plan option, member categories, gross amount, employer share and employee share. The point where those columns stop matching is usually more informative than another round on the calculator.

If the sources still cannot be reconciled, ask the scheme or employer to confirm the precise table and period used. A focused contribution calculation check can provide an independent schedule.