The nonprofit partner may participate, the same as an eligible quasi-governmental organization, in the health insurance plan authorized under §8-27-207 [repealed and reenacted. See Compiler's Notes], to provide health insurance for its employees, as long as such nonprofit partner satisfies each of the requirements of §8-27-207 [repealed and reenacted. See Compiler's Notes]. For the purpose of determining the distribution of premium for participating in the specific policies authorized by the state insurance committee, the nonprofit partner shall pay the same amount as the state government for employee participation in such coverage. An employee of the nonprofit partner electing to continue such coverage shall continue to meet the eligibility criteria of a state employee to participate in the state plan. Each employee of the nonprofit partner also is subject to the same retiree continuation provisions as state employees, as provided in title 8, chapter 27, part 2 [repealed and reenacted. See Compiler's Notes].