(a) A family member of a deceased annuitant who retired from a contracting agency prior to the effective date of the agency’s contract to provide health coverage under this part, and who was validly enrolled in the agency’s health plan on the day prior to the effective date of the contract under this part, but who does not receive an allowance in place of the annuitant, is deemed to be an annuitant for purposes of Section 22760, pursuant to regulations prescribed by the board.

(b) A contracting agency shall remit the amounts required under Section 22901 as well as the total amount of the premium required from the employer and enrollees in accordance with regulations of the board. Enrollment of the eligible family members shall be continuous following the death of the annuitant, or the effective date of enrollment, as applicable, so long as the surviving family members meet the eligibility requirements of Section 22775 and any regulations promulgated with respect to that section. Either a failure to timely pay the required premiums and associated costs of the coverage or the cancellation of coverage shall terminate the coverage without the option to reenroll. The contracting agency may elect to require the family members to pay all or any part of the employer premium for enrollment.

(c) This section shall apply to a contracting agency only upon the filing with the board of a resolution of its governing board electing to be subject to this section.

(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 639, Sec. 24. (SB 1139) Effective January 1, 2011.)