Goudge, JaneAlaba, Olufunke AGovender, VeloshneeHarris, BronwynNxumalo, NonhlanhlaChersich, Matthew F2018-12-052018-12-05ISI1475-9276https://hdl.handle.net/10539/26177Many low- and middle-income countries are reforming their health financing mechanisms as part of broader strategies to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). Voluntary social health insurance, despite evidence of resulting inequities, is attractive to policy makers as it generates additional funds for health, and provides access to a greater range of benefits for the formally employed. The South African government introduced a voluntary health insurance scheme (GEMS) for government employees in 2005 with the aim of improving access to care and extending health coverage. In this paper we ask whether the new scheme has assisted in efforts to move towards UHC.Health insurance - South AfricaGovernment Employees Medical Scheme (South Africa)Health services administration - South AfricaMedical care - South AfricaArticle