A. An eligible retiree who applies for coverage during the initial and subsequent open enrollment periods as established by the board may not be denied any of the group insurance basic coverages provided under the Retiree Health Care Act except as provided in Section 10 [10-7C-10 N.M. Stat. Ann.] of that act.

B. An eligible retiree or an eligible dependent who applies for optional coverage under the program after the first offering to the eligible retiree or eligible dependent is not entitled to coverage for preexisting conditions existing during the six-month period immediately preceding the date on which optional coverage takes effect.