By: Aldia Putra )*
The government plans to increase BPJS contributions in 2020. The increase in fees is considered not burdensome and is able to improve BPJS services.
Investing in health is considered quite important. Remembering health is an important factor in life. With a healthy body and soul, we will be able to carry out activities as we wish, including working to collect rupiah coffers to meet needs.
Even so, not many people then prioritize this health-related investment. One of the best health service providers in the country is the Health BPJS. This platform was established in 2014. Although relatively new, this service institution is quite capable in covering all the health needs of its users. But the latest news says that monthly contributions from the BPJS will likely increase. This increase is suspected due to the deficit situation experienced by this institution.
That said, at the beginning of its performance, BPJS had covered the health needs of poor families whose contributions were also borne by the government. However, in the past the amount was still relatively small, and now the utilization rate is near average. While the active payment index of the independent BPJS is only about half.
Judging from the function and the benefits provided by BPJS Health, actually it has been very helpful for the community in covering their health needs, but the increase in fees is still an unsolved polemic. The BPJS system is also unique, where the rich provide subsidies to the poor. However, in practice there are still arrears which caused the deficit condition to worsen.
This was also guaranteed by Fachmi Idris, as the Managing Director (Managing Director) of BPJS Health. He opened his voice regarding the Government’s plan to increase BPJS Health contributions by 100%. According to him, the amount of the contribution is considered still affordable and will not burden the community. He also said, that the amount of contributions to be adjusted is not large when compared to the benefits provided by the JKN-KIS Program when there are users or participants needing services related to health.
Fachmi added that the government’s move to adjust fees was in line with Presidential Regulation No. 82 of 2018 which states that contributions related to social health insurance programs are adjusted at least every two years. However, he stressed that if specifically for the poor and unable, the contributions would still be borne by the government. Namely, through the APBN as well as residents who have been registered by the local government, their contributions will be guaranteed by APBD funds.
While for workers and employers, the contribution adjustment will only have an impact on workers with nominal amounts above IDR 8 million to IDR 12 million. This means that workers with salaries below the nominal value will not be affected by the adjustment of these contributions. He also revealed that the role of the government was considered to be extraordinary to help bear the contributions of its people. Namely, amounting to 73.63 percent of the total adjustment of contributions borne by the government with PBI APBN.
Even with the population registered by the local government, or local or regional government employees so that the adjustment of the contribution of independent participants is not like the amount that should be paid. However, the application of the new fee is currently awaiting President Jokowi’s decision and is expected to be implemented as of January 1, 2020.
However, the latest news says that if the government is opening an option to reduce the amount of BPJS Health contributions that will be implemented next year. With this option, the amount of contribution increase is considered to be smaller than the original proposal, which is twice the current tariff.
This was stated by Deputy Minister of Finance Mardiasmo, he said if the option arose after President Jokowi’s meeting with the Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPSI) last week. During the meeting, KSPSI did ask Jokowi to reconsider the plan to increase BPJS Health contributions. Especially for class III participants because it is considered a number of parties will be burdensome.
In addition to these options there is also an option to increase fees in accordance with the proposals that have been submitted, but with the condition of a gradual scheme. This gradual scheme is to make an increase in the contribution of the class of Beneficiary Beneficiaries (PBI) to be applied before closing in 2019.
Apart from the polemic about the increase in fees, it should also be addressed wisely. Remembering health problems is crucial. Regarding this, we are saving just in case something happens to us. If we don’t use BPJS services now, then we are like giving charity to families who are more in need, according to the BPJS system, where the rich help the poor. Hopefully this polemic can be solved soon with the best solution.
)* The author is a social political observer