a. Except as otherwise prescribed by P.L. 1979, c. 391 (C. 18A:16-12 et seq.), retired employees shall be required to pay for the entire cost of coverage for themselves and their dependents at rates which are deemed adequate to cover the benefits, as affected by Medicare, of such retired employees and their dependents on the basis of the utilization of services which may be reasonably expected of such older age classification; provided, however, that the total rate payable by such a retired employee for himself and his dependents, for coverage under the contract and for Part B of Medicare, shall not exceed by more than 25%, the total amount that would have been required to have been paid by the employee and the local board of education for the coverage maintained had he continued in office or active employment and he and his dependents were not eligible for Medicare benefits.

b. The local board of education may, in its discretion, assume the entire cost of such coverage and pay all of the premiums for employees who have retired after 25 years or more service with the local board of education, including the premiums on their dependents, if any, under such uniform conditions as the local board of education shall prescribe, except that retired employees and dependents who are eligible for and elect at the time of retirement to take State-paid coverage under the State Health Benefits Program pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection b. of section 7 of P.L. 1964, c. 125 (C. 52:14-17.38) shall not be eligible for employer-paid coverage under this subsection.

1979, c.391,s.8; amended 1987,c.386,s.2.