1. The general administration and the responsibility for the proper operation of the plan is vested in a board of trustees of thirteen persons, as follows: the director of the department of health and senior services, the director of the department of commerce and insurance, the commissioner of the state office of administration serving ex officio, one member of the senate from the majority party appointed by the president pro tem of the senate and one member of the senate from the minority party appointed by the president pro tem of the senate with the concurrence of the minority floor leader of the senate, one member of the house of representatives from the majority party appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and one member of the house of representatives from the minority party appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives with the concurrence of the minority floor leader of the house of representatives, two members of the system who are current employees elected by a plurality vote of members of the system who are also current employees for a term of four years, one member of the system who is a retiree elected by a plurality vote of retired members of the system for a term of four years, and three members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. Of the three members appointed by the governor, all shall be citizens of the state of Missouri who are not members of the plan, but who are familiar with medical issues.

2. Except for the legislative members, the director of the department of health and senior services, the director of the department of commerce and insurance, and the commissioner of the office of administration, trustees shall be chosen for terms of four years from the first day of January next following their election or appointment. Any vacancies occurring in the office of trustee shall be filled in the same manner the office was filled previously.