(a) The following persons are eligible for enrollment as provided in this section:

(1) A Member of the Legislature or an elective officer of the state whose office is provided by the California Constitution who meets all of the following conditions:

(A) Has at least eight years of credited service.

(B) Permanently separates from state service on or after January 1, 1988, and more than 10 years before his or her minimum age for service retirement, or is an inactive member of the Legislators’ Retirement System pursuant to Section 9355.2.

(C) Elects to remain a member of a state retirement system supported in whole or in part by state funds, other than the University of California Retirement System.

(2) An exempt employee who meets all of the following conditions:

(A) Has at least 10 years of credited state service that includes at least two years of credited service while an exempt employee.

(B) Permanently separates from state service on or after January 1, 1988, and more than 10 years before his or her minimum age for service retirement.

(C) Elects to remain a member of a state retirement system supported in whole or in part by state funds, other than the University of California Retirement System.

(b) During the period he or she is not yet receiving a retirement allowance, a person described by subdivision (a) may continue enrollment in a health benefit plan or dental care plan without discrimination as to premium rates or benefit coverage, upon assuming payment of the contributions otherwise required of the former employer on account of his or her enrollment and the employee contribution. The person shall also pay an additional 2 percent of the premium amount to cover administrative expenses incurred by the system or the Department of Human Resources. An election to continue coverage under this section shall be made within 60 days of permanent separation.

(c) A person who receives coverage pursuant to this subdivision, and subsequently terminates that coverage, may not be allowed to reenroll and may not enroll as an annuitant pursuant to subdivision (d).

(d) Upon retirement and receipt of a retirement allowance, a person described in subdivision (b) may elect to continue enrollment in a health benefit plan or dental care plan without discrimination as to premium rates or benefit coverage, at which time the state shall assume payment of the employer contribution and the person shall thereafter be deemed an annuitant.

(e) The board has no duty to locate or notify any person who may be eligible to enroll pursuant to this section.

(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 665, Sec. 151. (SB 1308) Effective January 1, 2013.)