Except as otherwise provided by sections 103.003 to 103.175, medical benefits coverage as provided by sections 103.003 to 103.175 shall terminate when the member ceases to be an active employee; except persons receiving or entitled to receive an annuity or retirement benefit or disability benefit or the spouse of or unemancipated children of deceased persons receiving or entitled to receive an annuity or retirement benefit or disability benefit from the state, participating member agency, institution, political subdivision or governmental entity may elect to continue coverage, provided the individuals to be covered have been continuously covered for health care benefits:

1. (1) Under a separate group or individual policy for the six-month period immediately preceding the member's date of death or disability or eligibility for normal or early retirement; or
2. (2) Pursuant to sections 103.003 to 103.175, since the effective date of the most recent open enrollment period prior to the member's date of death or disability or eligibility for normal or early retirement; or

3. (3) From the initial date of eligibility for the benefits provided by sections 103.003 to 103.175.

   ­­­Cost for coverage continued pursuant to this section shall be determined by the board. If an eligible person does not elect to continue the coverage within thirty-one days of the first day of the month following the date on which the eligible person ceases to be an employee, he or she may not later elect to be covered pursuant to this section.

(L. 1992 H.B. 1574 § 2 subsec. 2, A.L. 2000 H.B. 1808 merged with S.B. 885)

Effective 7-1-2000 (H.B. 1808); 8-28-2000 (S.B. 885)