SSO spent Bt100 bn on medical bills over 5 yrs
THE SOCIAL Security Office (SSO) has spent more than Bt100 billion on medical bills for members of the scheme over the past five years.
“Last year alone, we paid Bt29 billion,” SSO chief inspector-general Ruxsak Chotchaisathit said yesterday. Of the amount, he said, Bt4.46 billion was spent on serious illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.
At present, the SSO is using a diagnosis-related group (DRG) formula to determine the amount of money medical service providers can reimburse from the state. Under the DRG method, the SSO groups similar types of conditions together, ranging from very serious to simple illnesses.
“For instance, a DRG of 2 and above will be granted Bt15,000 per level,” he said, adding that the SSO would closely examine all documents and evidence provided for reimbursement.
More than 2,200 private and state-run medical service providers are participating in the scheme and have until the end of December to claim reimbursement for treatment provided in the first six months of the year.
Speaking at a meeting held to explain the reimbursement method, Ruxsak said if there were any discrepancies, the medical-service providers would be asked to make adjustments and resubmit the requests.
“We should be able to conclude the figures by early next year,” he said.
