The board shall provide assistance to low income employees and retirees who meet the federal poverty levels defined in this section, effective October 1, 2005, and for each fiscal year thereafter.

(1) For employees and retirees who contribute to the cost of their health insurance premium and with annual income (determined as provided below on an aggregate basis for an employee or retiree and spouse) equal to or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level, the employee or retiree contribution shall be reduced as follows:

a. For employees or retirees with annual income equal to or less than 100 percent of the federal poverty level, the employee contribution will be calculated using 50 percent of the applicable premium.

b. For employees or retirees with annual income equal to or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level, but more than 100 percent of the federal poverty level, the employee contribution will be calculated using 60 percent of the applicable premium.

c. For employees or retirees with annual income equal to or less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, but more than 150 percent of the federal poverty level, the employee contribution will be calculated using 70 percent of the applicable premium.

d. For employees or retirees with annual income equal to or less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level, but more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, the employee contribution will be calculated using 80 percent of the applicable premium.

e. For employees or retirees with annual income equal to or less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level, but more than 250 percent of the federal poverty level, the employee contribution will be calculated using 90 percent of the applicable premium.

(2) An application procedure shall be devised and implemented by the board through which employees and retirees may apply for the federal poverty level assistance described in this section. For purposes of applying for federal poverty level assistance, the annual income of an employee or retiree shall be aggregated with the annual income of the spouse of such employee or retiree and shall include all sources of income including, but not limited to, wages, pension benefits, and Social Security benefits, that may be included in gross income for purposes of federal income taxation. Applicants must submit with their application a copy of their federal tax return and, if the applicant did not file a joint return with his or her spouse, a copy of the spouse's federal tax return. Any reduction in an employee's or retiree's contribution pursuant to this section shall not be considered income of the employee or retiree for purposes of determining Medicaid eligibility for such employee or retiree.