(a) The regulations of the board shall provide for the beginning and ending dates of coverage of employees, annuitants, and family members enrolled in a health benefit plan. The regulations may permit coverage to continue, in addition to any temporary extension of coverage otherwise authorized under this part, until the end of the pay period in which an employee is separated from service or until the end of the month in which an annuitant ceases to be entitled to an allowance. In case of the death of an employee or annuitant, the regulations may permit a temporary extension of the coverage of family members for a period of more than 30 days.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, an employee terminating his or her service by voluntary separation or due to dismissal for cause, prior to eligibility for retirement, may extend enrollment until the end of the month following the month in which his or her service is terminated.

(Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 69, Sec. 22. Effective June 24, 2004.)