DPR Asks Government To Beware Of BPJS Health Deficit

JAKARTA - Member of the DPR from the PAN faction, Saleh Partaonan Daulay, asked the Government to be aware of the BPJS Health deficit. The reason is, last November, BPJS Kesehatan reported that it is estimated to have a deficit of IDR 20 trillion in 2024.

If not anticipated immediately, according to Saleh, this deficit will continue at the next time and year. In a certain period of time, it is even possible that there will be defaults.

"At that time, the Managing Director of BPJS Kesehatan stated that the main cause of the deficit was an increase in the utilization of health services in hospitals. More and more patients came to the hospital along with the increasing public trust in BPJS Kesehatan," Saleh told reporters, Saturday, January 11.

According to the former Deputy Chairman of Commission IX of the DPR, the more patients who come, the greater the cost that must be paid to health facilities. While the source of income does not increase.

"In fact, many BPJS Kesehatan participants are not disciplined in paying dues. Of course it will also be a burden," said Saleh.

Therefore, Saleh considered, the government must immediately find a solution. The legislator for the North Sumatra electoral district admitted that he received information that one of the solutions to be taken was to increase participant contributions. The increase is planned to be carried out in July 2025.

"Improving this contribution is certainly an less populist alternative and has the potential to cause turmoil in rejection. In fact, with the current contribution, many members of society are unable. Meanwhile, many Prabowo-Gibran programs and agendas are oriented to help and reduce the burden on society," said Saleh.

"Just to remind, currently the BPJS Kesehatan 1 contribution is Rp. 150,000, class 2 is Rp. 100,000, and class 3 is Rp. 42,000 (which is Rp. 7,000 of which is borne by the government). If you want to increase it, how much is the most appropriate figure? Then, if it has increased, will there be a guarantee that you will continue to avoid the threat of a deficit?" added the Deputy PAN.

The chairman of Commission VII of the DPR hopes that the relevant government elements can conduct in-depth and strategic studies in order to find solutions and problems without causing problems. Saleh said that this deficit would definitely occur and threaten in the years to come. Therefore, according to him, the sooner it is anticipated, the better it will be.

"We appreciate BPJS Kesehatan's performance. There is an increase in the number of participants by more than 98 percent. Public trust is also getting better. Therefore, do not let the service go down because the budget is not balanced," concluded Saleh.