(a) A system shall:
(1) determine basic coverage standards that must be comparable to those commonly provided:
(A) in private industry; and
(B) to employees of another agency or an institution of higher education in this state under Chapter 1551; and
(2) establish procedures to allow each covered employee and retired employee to obtain prompt action regarding claims pertaining to coverages provided under this chapter.
(b) In designing a coverage plan, a system may consider existing local conditions.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a system may adjust a plan and coverage standards as necessary to comply with applicable state and federal law and to provide consistent eligibility for all plans under the program, including eligibility for optional coverages.