Government employees will receive expanded health insurance coverage as of May 1, including support for substance abuse treatment.

David Burt told the House of Assembly today that revisions to the Government Employee Health Insurance scheme will also translate to greater coverage for annual physicals and mental healthcare.

The Premier said: “Providing better healthcare support to our public officers and their families is an important strategic imperative in improving retention in the public service.

“These enhancements, represent a practical investment in the wellbeing of public officers, retirees and their families, and will be funded through the increased budgetary allocation provided for employee benefits in the Budget taking effect on May 1.

“These three areas of improved coverage broaden access to preventive care, strengthens the support available for mental health services and provides substance abuse treatment coverage where none previously existed.”

Mr Burt said the GEHI offers reimbursement for one physical examination per client per year up to a maximum of $96, but the cost of such an examination is well above that amount.

He said: “As a result, many employees and their families have been left to pay substantial co-pays to access a routine annual exam, in some cases more than $200.

“Where that occurs, the cost of preventive care can itself become a barrier and some persons may delay or forgo an annual examination that could assist with the early detection and management of illness, which can cost GEHI more in the long term.”

Mr Burt said under the revised benefits, GEHI will fully reimburse one annual physical examination per year within a range of $250 to $350 to support routine preventive care.

Meanwhile, coverage for services provided by a clinical psychologist will increase from $97 per visit to $170 and coverage for psychiatric consultations will double from $100 to $200 per consultation for up to 25 visits a year.

Mr Burt said: “This increase in coverage strengthens the support available under GEHI and improves access to care for persons who require professional mental health services.”

He said the revisions will also introduce support for substance abuse treatment, including both inpatient and outpatient treatment, noting the impact that addiction can have on individuals, families and workplaces.

Mr Burt said: “Access to treatment, where it is needed, should be part of a health insurance scheme that responds to the needs of the people it covers.

“I was surprised to learn while attending a Progressive Labour Party branch meeting in St George’s a few years ago that GEHI did not provide coverage for substance abuse treatment. At that time, I committed to examining the issue as I agreed that this treatment should be covered.”

Inpatient care will be covered for up to 90 days while outpatient care will be covered for up to 20 days with a maximum annual benefit of $18,000.