Sec. 1551.1022. PARTICIPATION ELIGIBILITY: CERTAIN POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS AND GRADUATE STUDENTS. (a) An individual who is not eligible to participate in the group benefits program under Section 1551.101 is eligible to participate in the group benefits program under this section if the individual, at an institution of higher education:

(1) holds:

(A) a postdoctoral fellowship; or

(B) one or more graduate student fellowships awarded to the individual on a competitive basis that, either singly or in combination, are valued at not less than $10,000 per year; and

(2) is currently receiving a stipend from an applicable fellowship.

(b) An individual who is eligible to participate in the group benefits program under this section shall pay all contributions required under this chapter for the coverage selected by the individual, except that an institution of higher education may make contributions for the individual from available funds other than money appropriated to the institution from the general revenue fund.

(c) An institution of higher education shall determine which individuals are eligible to participate in the group benefits program under this section and, at the time of initial eligibility, shall notify each individual of the individual's eligibility to participate in the program.

(d) An individual who participates in the group benefits program under this section is not considered an employee of an institution of higher education solely as a result of the individual's participation in the program.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1198 (S.B. 29), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.