Sri Mulyani Willingly Cover BPJS Deficit If Premium Raised

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said that the government is able to cover the deficit of the Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan) up to Rp13.5 trillion as long as the premium is increased.

The premium hike can be applied if there is a premium adjustment for participants in the category of Contribution Assistance Recipients (PBI) both from the central and regional administrations. She suggested the increase of Rp19,000, from Rp23,000 to Rp42,000.

“This [financial aid] can be given if the government wants to cover the premium payment of August until December per person. The figure is also added from the central government’s bailout for regional PBI which is amounted to 37 million people,” said the minister during a meeting in the DPR complex, South Jakarta, Tuesday, August 27.

As for details, Sri proposed the premium hike for Class I participants to be Rp160,000 from initially Rp80,000; Class II to double at Rp110,000 from Rp51,000; and Class III at Rp42,000 from Rp23,000. She expected the increase to take effect starting in January 2020.

Additionally, BPJS Kesehatan has the potential to receive additional funds of Rp5 trillion if it imposes a policy mix upon the audit result conducted by the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP).

Meanwhile for the PBI premium payment, it was recommended to draft a revised budget starting August. By means, the government provides a bailout through State Budget or Regional Budget.

“We have proposed it to the President so that regional PBI from August to December can be covered by the central government, so the regions can effectively start their payment in January,” said Sri Mulyani.

DIAS PRASONGKO