BPJS Kesehatan Supervisory Board Provides Insights on Premium Arrears Waiver

Key Concerns and Recommendations

The Supervisory Board of BPJS Kesehatan is currently awaiting official government policy regarding the waiver of BPJS Kesehatan premium arrears. Chairman Abdul Kadir emphasized several critical considerations that need to be addressed by the government.

Potential Moral Hazard

First, the board is concerned about the potential moral hazard that may arise from the premium waiver. There's a risk that participants might deliberately default on their premium payments in anticipation of future waivers. The board stressed the importance of strengthening risk management to mitigate this potential negative reaction from participants who have been paying their premiums regularly.

Accurate Targeting of Beneficiaries

Second, the board highlighted the need for accurate targeting of the waiver to ensure it benefits those who truly need it. Coordination between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs is crucial to prevent ineligible individuals from benefiting from the waiver.

Financial Implications

Third, the waiver could result in a significant loss of premium revenue for BPJS Kesehatan. The board suggested that there should be a shared vision among stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, and other relevant agencies, regarding the implementation of the waiver.

Legal Risks and Accountability

Fourth, the board pointed out the legal risks associated with the waiver, particularly the potential for different interpretations of state losses due to the lack of clear regulations. There is a risk that the waiver could become a finding by the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK), leading to future legal consequences.

Way Forward

To address these concerns, the Supervisory Board has provided several recommendations to the BPJS Kesehatan management. These include conducting massive socialization of the waiver policy, ensuring data priority for participants in arrears, and achieving stakeholder coordination to align perceptions. The board also suggested that participants who are unable to pay should be transitioned to the PBI (Peserta Bukan Penerima Upah) category, with the government covering their premiums.