(a) The state consumer-directed health plan is established for the benefit of individuals eligible to participate in the group benefits program and those individuals’ eligible dependents.
(b) The board of trustees may adopt rules necessary to administer this subchapter. In implementing this subchapter the board shall:
(1) establish health savings accounts under this subchapter and administer or select an administrator in accordance with § 1551.453 for the accounts;
(2) finance a self-funded high deductible health plan that:
(A) is an integral part of the state consumer-directed health plan; and
(B) provides health benefit coverage, including preventive health care, to a plan enrollee in the state consumer-directed health plan and to the dependents of a plan enrollee in accordance with § 1551.455; and
(3) provide to individuals eligible to participate in the group benefits program information regarding the operation of and option to participate in the state consumer-directed health plan established under this subchapter.
(c) In adopting rules and administering health savings accounts or selecting administrators for health savings accounts under this subchapter, the board of trustees shall ensure that the health savings accounts are qualified for appropriate federal tax exemptions.