New benefits including increased optical coverage, contraception, chiropodist services and annual physicals will be available to members of the Government Employees Health Insurance fund and their dependants from May 1.

To accommodate the extension of benefits and to ensure the sustainability of the fund, basic premiums will increase to $200.84, effective from April 30.

The full schedule of premiums will be published soon and information sessions are planned with all union groups to ensure a full understanding of the proposed changes.