Poverty, Entitlement Approach, and the Program of Health Insurance for the Poor in Indonesia

Abstract

This study analyzes the implementation of the Health Insurance for the Poor (HIP) pro-gramin Indonesia, focusingat theadvantages andconstraints facedby thebeneficiaries in accessing healthcare. A case study is conducted in Purbalingga District, Central Java Province. A total of 648 households were randomly selected to be the respondents, and data are collected through questionnaires, interviews and observations. Both qualitative and quantitative technique of data analysis are employed in this study. By applying the approach of entitlement within the framework of healthcare access, it is found that the program brings positive impacts in increasing financial abilities of the beneficiaries and creating good treatment from the medical workers. However, problems on the distribution inaccuracy and low supply side readiness of health infrastructure and service system dilute the overall benefits of the program in poverty alleviation. The government of Indonesia is recommended to involve communities and local officers in the enumeration of the beneficiaries, to increase the participation of private healthcare providers in the program, and to establish clear reward and punishment system for the health workers.