(a) The Retired Employees' Committee on Insurance is hereby created. The Committee shall consist of six members, three to be selected by the Secretary of Administration, at least two of whom shall be retired State employees, and three to be selected by the Vermont State Employees' Association, at least one of whom shall be a retired State employee. Members shall serve for terms of two years. The Commissioner of Human Resources shall be an ex officio member of the Committee.

(b) The Committee shall elect a chair from among its members and shall meet periodically at the call of the Chair or at the request of any three of its members. Meetings shall be held at least twice a year.

(c) The Committee shall review the health insurance benefits available to retired employees through the State. It shall make whatever recommendations it deems appropriate to the Secretary of Administration on the existing plan and on any changes under consideration. Recommendations shall be made prior to the bidding process conducted under subsection 631(c) of this title.

(d) The Committee may represent the interests of retired persons in respect to complaints or questions about their insurance benefits.

(e) Members of the Committee shall serve on a voluntary basis and shall not be entitled to per diem compensation or compensation for expenses.

(f) The Committee shall recommend to the State Treasurer the original plan of dental benefits for retired members and any subsequent changes to the plan. The State Treasurer shall be responsible for plan administration, including determining the plan administrator, determining plan benefits, determining eligibility, and setting premium rates. The Office of State Treasurer shall be reimbursed from the premiums collected for the plan for any reasonable additional costs incurred for the administration and maintenance of the plan. (Added 1981, No. 168 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2003, No. 156 (Adj. Sess.), § 15; 2005, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)