The Influence of National Health Insurance (JKN) on Dementia and Geriatric Depression Symptoms in Indonesia

Abstract

As Indonesia undergoes a rapid demographic shift, the mental health of its elderly population has become a critical concern. This study aims to evaluate the impact of National Health Insurance (JKN) coverage on dementia symptoms and geriatric depression, and to analyze the role of social protection as a psychological buffer against neurocognitive decline. Using a quantitative secondary data analysis, the research examines a nationally representative sample of approximately 29.3 million elderly individuals across 38 provinces, integrating datasets from Badan Pusat Statistik (2023) and BPJS Kesehatan (2024). Analysis focused on JKN enrollment status and clinical outcomes measured via the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results reveal a significant correlation () between active insurance participation and reduced depressive severity, with enrollees being 3.5 times more likely to access early-stage dementia screenings. These findings imply that universal health coverage is vital for both fiscal security and systemic neuropsychiatric intervention. It is concluded that while JKN facilitates early detection, policy must expand to include community-based caregiver support. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to address regional service disparities across the archipelago.