1. (a) An eligible surviving spouse of a deceased individual listed in Section 615.071 who was employed by the state is entitled to purchase or continue to purchase health insurance benefits under Chapter 1551, Insurance Code, as provided by this subchapter.

2. (b) An eligible surviving spouse of a deceased individual listed in Section 615.071 who was employed by a political subdivision of the state is entitled to purchase or continue to purchase health insurance benefits from the political subdivision that employed the deceased individual, including health coverage:

   1. (1) provided by or through a political subdivision under:

      1. (A) a health insurance policy or health benefit plan written by a health insurer; or
      2. (B) a self-insured health benefits plan; or
   2. (2) under Chapter 172, Local Government Code.
3. (c) The surviving spouse is entitled to purchase or continue to purchase health insurance coverage until the date the surviving spouse becomes eligible for federal Medicare benefits.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.13(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 103, Sec. 1, eff. May 20, 2003;

Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 10A.518, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 55 (S.B. 872), Sec. 3, eff. May 19, 2009.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 50 (S.B. 423), Sec. 5, eff. May 12, 2011.