Kingston-based family practitioner and physician Leonard Jones is the first recipient of the Paymaster Loyalty Rewards Programme Critical Illness Plan. Jones, who fell ill in May of this year, suffered a heart attack and was treated at the Medical Associates Hospital and the University Hospital of the West Indies.
"I left work, went home and went to bed. A very severe pain woke me up from my sleep. I went to the bathroom and vomited, but the pain did not subside. The pain moved into both shoulders and my upper body felt weak. My spouse took me to the hospital where they administered emergency care," he said.
Jones had to pay more than $1.5 million for treatment, including surgery that involved inserting a spring to clear his blocked artery. This was a difficult time for Jones, who is very grateful to be still alive.
Notwithstanding, Jones is even happier that he signed up for the Paymaster Loyalty Rewards Programme, which has helped to offset some of his medical expenses.
"I make regular bill payments at the Paymaster location. While at the Sagicor location in New Kingston, the customer service representative encouraged me to sign up for the benefits. I am so happy that I did," Jones said.
Natalie St Louis, vice-president of marketing, sales and corporate services said the company was delighted to have assisted Jones during his illness and was happy that he is recovering successfully. "Once the claim was submitted it was paid out in short order," St Louis told The Gleaner.
"Health care in Jamaica is underserved and not many persons can afford health care. We appreciate our customers and want to see them coming back."
The Paymaster Loyalty Rewards Programme offers earnings of more than JA$1.5 million in benefits and rewards to its loyal customers. The Paymaster Shield covers critical illness and death and provides a lump-sum payout in the event of being diagnosed with any of the illnesses covered, including, heart attack, stroke, cancer, and paralysis.
Customers become eligible for this and other benefits after paying three or more bills at any Paymaster location, islandwide, for three consecutive months. On completion of a full membership form and qualifying as members, customers will receive the free Paymaster Shield Insurance for $150,000 with the ability to upgrade the coverage up to a total of $1,000,000.