The state highways and transportation commission may provide for insurance benefits to cover medical expenses and death for members of the state transportation department employees' and highway patrol retirement system. Any plan may provide medical benefits for dependents of members and for retired members. Death benefits shall be comparable to those provided for in section 104.517. Contributions by the state highways and transportation commission to provide the insurance benefits shall be on the same basis as provided for other state employees under the provisions of section 104.515. Except as otherwise provided by law, the cost of benefits for dependents of members and for retired members and their dependents shall be paid by the members. The state highways and transportation commission may contract for all, or any part of, the insurance benefits provided for in this section. If the state highways and transportation commission contracts for insurance benefits, or for administration of the insurance plan, such contracts shall be entered into on the basis of competitive bids.

(L. 1977 H.B. 703, A.L. 1983 H.B. 713 Revision, A.L. 1985 H.B. 790, A.L. 1988 H.B. 1643 & 1399)