In granting the approval specified in Sections 53202 and 53202.1 the local agency or governing board shall give preference to such health benefit plans as do not terminate upon retirement of the employees affected, and which provide the same benefits for retired personnel as for active personnel at no increase in costs to the retired person, provided that the local agency or governing board makes a contribution of at least five dollars ($5) per month toward the cost of providing a health benefits plan for the employee or the employee and the dependent members of his family. In the case of retired personnel who receive retirement benefits under the State Employees’ Retirement System, the health benefits coverage provided for annuitants by a health benefits plan under the Meyers-Geddes State Employees’ Medical and Hospital Care Act shall satisfy the requirements of this section.

(Amended by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1745.)