(a) An annuitant whose retirement allowance is not sufficient to pay his or her required contribution for the health benefit plan in which he or she is enrolled may only remain enrolled if the annuitant pays to the board the balance of the contributions plus the related administrative costs, as determined by the board.

(b) (1) The annuitant shall pay the complementary annuitant premium by remitting to the board quarterly payments in advance, or by alternative monthly payment as determined by the board.

(2) The board may charge each annuitant who elects to pay the complementary annuitant premium an initial setup charge and a monthly maintenance charge, in amounts sufficient to ensure the ongoing support of the complementary annuitant premium program.

(3) If payments are not received by the 10th of the month for the following month, coverage shall be terminated and may not be resumed until the next open enrollment period.

(c) Upon receipt of a written application, the benefits provided by this section shall commence on the first day of the month following receipt of the application and the payment required by the board.

(d) The board has no duty to identify, locate, or notify any annuitant who may be eligible for the benefit provided by this section.

(e) Any complementary annuitant premium or any balance of unpaid health benefit plan premiums that accrues and remains unpaid at the time of the death of an annuitant shall be paid in accordance with the sequence prescribed in Section 21506.

(f) All moneys received pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Public Employees’ Contingency Reserve Fund in the account provided by subdivision (f) of Section 22910.

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 28, Sec. 50. (SB 854) Effective June 20, 2014.)