In order to carry out the provisions of the flexible employee benefit plan or any long-term care plan, or both, the head of each department, agency, board of education, or other employer with employees as defined by Section 16-25A-1 shall provide, at no local administrative cost to the employee, the flexible employee benefit plan as provided for in this article to every employee and is authorized on behalf of the state to deduct or reduce from salary or wages amounts voluntarily designated by the employees pursuant to salary reduction agreements or benefit deduction agreements for purchasing benefits offered under the plan and such reduction from salary and wages shall be remitted to the board for administration of the program. Employers with employees as defined by Section 16-25A-11 must offer such benefits as required by and under such conditions as established by the board.