Government to Inject Another Rp 5.6 Trillion in BPJS Kesehatan Bailout Funds

The government will again provide a bailout fund of Rp 5.6 trillion to the National Health Insurance Agency (BPJS Kesehatan). Previously, in September 2018, the government disbursed Rp 4.9 trillion in aid. Thus, the total bailout funds for BPJS Kesehatan this year will reach Rp 10.5 trillion. This figure is close to the BPKP's deficit projection of Rp 10.58 trillion. Cumulatively, from 2014 to the end of 2018, government bailout funds to BPJS Kesehatan will reach Rp 26.4 trillion.

The BPJS Kesehatan deficit is caused by a large deficit for informal sector participants, reaching Rp 13.3 trillion. This deficit is due to contributions totaling only Rp 8.5 trillion, while the burden borne by BPJS Kesehatan amounts to Rp 20.3 trillion. Other contributors to the deficit include non-employee participants, reaching Rp 4.35 trillion, and participants paid by local governments (Pemda), amounting to Rp 1.44 trillion. Meanwhile, participants in the Recipient of Contribution Assistance (PBI) category and others recorded a surplus.

BPJS Kesehatan predicts a deficit of up to Rp 16.58 trillion by the end of 2018. This amount consists of the accumulated BPJS Kesehatan deficit from the previous year of Rp 4.4 trillion, plus this year's projected deficit of Rp 12.1 trillion.