(a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings:

(1) HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT or HSA. A savings or other account meeting the requirements for favorable tax treatment under 26 U.S.C. §223, as amended.

(2) HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLAN or HDHP. That term as defined in 26 U.S.C. §223(c)(2), as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

(3) PARTICIPANT. An eligible active or retired state employee and his or her dependents as determined by the State Employees' Insurance Board.

(b) The State Employees' Insurance Board may offer a high deductible health plan with a federally qualified health savings account (HDHP-HSA) to eligible active and retired state employees and their dependents. A retired state employee eligible for or entitled to Medicare benefits under Title XVIII of the federal Social Security Act is not eligible to participate in the HDHP-HSA. The terms and conditions of the HDHP-HSA shall be established by the board in accordance with federal requirements and limitations.

(c) A participant in the HDHP-HSA may receive an employer contribution into the participant's HSA from the State Employees' Insurance Fund in an amount to be determined by the board. The employer contributions into the participant's HSA shall not constitute compensation to an employee for the purposes of any statute fixing or limiting the compensation of the employee.

(d) A participant in the HDHP-HSA is eligible to deposit the participant's own funds into a HSA. Each department, agency, or county health department on behalf of the state may deduct or reduce from salary or wages amounts voluntarily designated by a participant pursuant to salary reduction agreement to participate in the HDHP-HSA. The amount by which a state employee's salary or wage is reduced pursuant to a salary reduction agreement authorized by this article shall continue to be included as earnable compensation for the purpose of computing benefits under the State Employees' Retirement System and the Teachers' Retirement System.