§ 135-48.39A.  Premiums to purchase alternative coverage for retirees in lieu of coverage under the Plan.

(a) The State Treasurer may offer to pay or reimburse premiums for alternative health benefit plan coverage in lieu of coverage under the State Health Plan. If the State Treasurer elects to offer premium payments in lieu of coverage, then the State Treasurer shall adopt rules for and limitations on doing so.

(b) Premium payments in lieu of coverage shall be limited to persons eligible for coverage under the following, and the State Treasurer may vary the amounts of premium payments depending on the category of eligibility:

(1) G.S. 135-48.40(a)(1).

(2) G.S. 135-48.40(a)(2).

(3) G.S. 135-48.40(b)(3).

(4) G.S. 135-48.40(b)(4).

(5) G.S. 135-48.40(c)(2).

(c) Notwithstanding the eligibility for coverage provided in Part 4 of this Article, coverage outside of the Plan shall be in lieu of coverage under the Plan during the period for which the Plan member chooses premium payments in lieu of coverage. (2023-134, s. 39.29(b).)