A judge of the District Court who has continued in office as a judge of that Court pursuant to the provisions of Article IV, § 41-I(a) of the Maryland Constitution, and who on July 4, 1971 was a participant in a group health or group hospitalization plan provided by a local subdivision, and who within six months from July 5, 1971, elected to remain a member of that plan, may continue as a member of the plan. In this event, the local subdivision shall continue to make on behalf of the judge any contributions to the plan required by its terms or by law. The State shall periodically reimburse the local subdivision for contributions made pursuant to this section.