Since the implementation of the JKN scheme on January 1, the health ministry, through Hello Kemkes..."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - "This is Hello Kemkes, Im Firman, can I help you?", a customer service officer of "Hello Kemkes" greeted Titik, who had called for information on the membership requirements for the National Health Insurance (JKN) scheme.

Titik called "Hello Kemkes" on Monday (Jan.6) at around 8 p.m. and was satisfied with the information provided by Firman, who gave detailed information along with the address and phone numbers of the nearest BPJS office to Titiks home in eastern Jakarta.

Most of the Indonesian people are enthusiastic about welcoming JKN, which is seen as a milestone in the history of public health development in Indonesia.

This is because medical care in the country is very expensive, so much so, that it was commonly joked that "the poor should not fall ill because they could not afford the medical care cost in this country".

When the nation-wide health insurance scheme was officially launched by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, just a day prior to the start of its implementation on January 1, several citizens were clueless about how to apply for the JKN membership.

Fortunately, the health ministry has been quick in responding to the publics thirst for information on JKN, by operating a 24-hour "Hello Kemkes" customer service phone number, 021-500567, in order to assist all those seeking information.

"Since the implementation of the JKN scheme on January 1, the health ministry, through "Hello Kemkes", at phone number 021-500567, has been flooded with calls from people seeking more information about the JKN scheme," Murti Utami, a spokesman of the health ministry, remarked in a statement.

Looking at the overwhelming public response, the ministry has decided to make the "Hello Kemkes" helpline service operational round-the-clock. Earlier, "Hello Kemkes" operated only during working hours. "Kemkes" is the acronym of "Kementerian Kesehatan" or the health ministry.

At least 300 callers have been served so far and most questions have been related to the eligibility criteria for availing the JKN scheme and information about the locations to register for it.

Firman had explained that to become a member of the JKN, Titik must visit the nearest Social Security Management Agency (BPJS) office for registration, along with copies of her ID, Family Card, and two photos measuring 3x4 cm. She will then be required to fill the registration form at the office.

After going through the aforementioned process, the prospective member will receive a payment slip of the BPJS membership fee. The payment can be done in three banks appointed by the BPJS, namely Bank Mandiri, BNI, or BRI.

She is further required to re-visit the BPJS office in order to present the payment receipt from the bank and collect the JKN card.

As a JKN member, an economically stable informal worker is required to pay a premium of Rp59.5 thousand per month for class I plan, Rp42.5 thousand per month for class II plan, and Rp25.5 thousand per month for class III plan.

Those falling in the poor category will be covered by the JKN scheme for free, as their membership fees will be paid by the government.

The government has allocated Rp19.93 trillion in the 2014 state budget for the health insurance program, in an effort to protect the 86.4 million poor and unemployed people.

For formal workers in the private sector, the premium is five percent of their monthly income. The government has also decided that employers pay four percent, while employees pay one percent of the national insurance program.

Foreigners, who have worked in Indonesia for at least six months, are also eligible to join the JKN program. The requirements and benefits for foreign workers will be the same as those for Indonesian workers. However, they will need to provide necessary documents to prove that they are legally working in Indonesia.

About 86.4 million health insurance assistance recipients (PBI) and 29.6 million of civil servants, military as well as police officers are currently covered by the JKN program.

In total, 121.6 million Indonesians are now covered under the JKN scheme, and 125 million others are expected to be covered by 2019.

In addition to "Hello Kemkes, the government has also set up 24-hour BPJS-Health command posts to ensure smooth implementation of BPJS-Health scheme.

The post was established following instructions from President Yudhoyono during the launch of the National Movement of the BPJS-Health in Sukabumi, West Java, in October 2013.

"Our colleagues (at the Social Security Management Agency (BPJS -Health) are ready, although this is a humongous task," stated Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights Denny Indrayana, during his visit to a 24-hour BPJS-Health command post in Jakarta on Monday (Jan. 6).

The deputy minister called on private-and state-owned companies to register their employees for the JKN scheme. He also urged Indonesian citizens, who have not joined the scheme yet, to register with the nearest BPJS offices from their homes.

A total of 9,217 public health care centers located across the country have teamed up with the BPJS to implement the health insurance program, or about 96 percent of the target.

On January 3, President Yudhoyono personally checked a community health care center and a hospital in Surabaya, East Java, to check their readiness to offer services as part of the national health insurance program.

The head of state toured the Pucang Anom community health center and later, Dr. Sutomo Hospital. He inspected several clinics and treatment rooms there.

Earlier, President Yudhoyono had urged all parties associated with the implementation of JKN to work toward making the program a success.

"My instruction to all relevant parties such as the central government, regional governments, BPJS health insurance, hospitals, and all health facilities is to ensure that this important and historic program is a success," stated the president.

He stated that the health insurance scheme is a big leap ever made by the country and unrivalled compared with other insurance agencies."

Deputy Minister Denny Indrayana claimed that Indonesias Health Insurance (JKN) scheme is better than that of the US Obama Health Care.
(T.F001/INE/KR-BSR)

Reporter: Fardah
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2014