The Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan) is projected to suffer losses of about Rp 6 trillion (US$456.36 million) after the government increases premiums starting this April, the agency has said.

“At least with the increase, it will reduce our deficit,” said BPJS Kesehatan spokesman Ikhsan at his office in Jakarta on Friday as reported by tempo.com.

The government has decided to increase premiums for first-class hospital services to Rp 80,000 per month from Rp 69,500 per month, and for second-class hospital services to Rp 51,500 per month from Rp 42,500 per month. Meanwhile, the premium for third-class hospital services will be maintained at Rp 25,500 per month.

Meanwhile, Bayu Wahyudi, BPJS Kesehatan’s law, communications and human relations director, said the government would allocate funds to cover BJPS Kesehatan’s deficit.

“Government funding of BPJS Kesehatan will be discussed with Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Puan Maharani,” Bayu added.

The BPJS Keseatan was launched in 2015 to help low-income families access healthcare. The government prepared a fund to cover premiums for poor people and invited others to take part in the health insurance program.

However, BPJS Kesehatan customers continue to complain about the poor quality of hospital services available to them. They claim that most hospitals prefer to serve those with private health insurance, or those who directly pay for their services. (bbn)