(a) Each part-time employee or employee eligible to participate in the group benefits program under § 1551.101(e)(2) may participate in the program on execution of an appropriate application for coverage unless the employee is:
(1) ineligible for the group benefits program under § 1551.110; or
(2) expelled from the group benefits program under § 1551.351.
(b) An institution of higher education shall, at the time of employment, notify each of the institution’s employees eligible to participate in the group benefits program under § 1551.101(e)(2) of the employee’s eligibility to participate.