Employees are eligible to participate in the benefit programs for state employees.
Participation in the benefit programs is optional, and an employee may participate by filing an election, in writing, with the board of trustees for the statewide system. The board of trustees shall file these elections with the department of personnel. The board of trustees shall determine what, if any, amount of the costs or premiums of the benefit programs shall be paid by the participating employees, and shall deduct the amount from the wages of the participating employees. The board of trustees shall pay the remaining costs or premiums of the benefit programs from the fire and police retirement fund, including any portion to be attributed to an employer, and shall forward all amounts paid by participating employees and the board to the department of personnel. Participating employees shall be exempted from preexisting medical condition waiting periods.