It is hereby declared that the purpose of this act is:
(a) To provide uniformity in Accident and Health Insurance and/or Benefits Coverage and Life Insurance on all employees of the State of Oklahoma;
(b) To enable the state to attract and retain qualified employees by providing health, dental and life insurance benefits similar to those commonly provided in private industry;
(c) To recognize and protect the state's investment in each permanent employee by promoting and preserving good health and longevity among state employees;
(d) To recognize the service to the state by elected and appointed officials by extending to them the same health, dental and life insurance benefits as are provided herein for state employees;
(e) To recognize long and faithful service, and to encourage employees to remain in state service until eligible for retirement by providing health, dental and life insurance benefits for employees; and
(f) To ensure state compliance with the Health Maintenance Organization Act of 1973 pursuant to 42 U.S.C., Section 300e et seq.
Amended by Laws 1982, c. 333, § 2, emerg. eff. June 1, 1982; Laws 1985, c. 230, § 1, emerg. eff. July 8, 1985.