(a) A CoBen allowance will be paid each month to an excluded employee in lieu of separate contributions for health, dental and vision benefits. The Department, each year prior to the open enrollment period, will determine the allowance amounts.

(b) If the employee is enrolled in both a health benefit and a dental plan, the health benefit enrollment party code will determine the amount of the contribution.

(c) If the employee elects not to enroll in both a health plan and a dental plan, the employee will receive an amount not to exceed $155 each month in taxable cash for calendar year 1999. In subsequent years, the Department, prior to the annual open enrollment period, will fix the amount. Under CoBen, an employee will not be charged a monthly administrative fee for the cash option.

(d) If the employee declines a health benefit plan, the employees' dental benefit enrollment party code will determine the amount of the contribution. An employee must provide proof of coverage of other health insurance through his/her spouse or other present or former employer if health coverage is waived. If the employee elects not to enroll in a health plan but enrolls in a dental plan, the employee will receive the difference between the applicable CoBen allowance and the cost of the dental plan selected and vision benefits, not to exceed $130 per month in taxable cash. Under CoBen, an employee will not be charged a monthly administrative fee for the cash option.

(e) Cash payments resulting from medical and dental benefit elections will be paid to the employee in his/her monthly pay check in the form of additional cash compensation. FlexElect participants electing a Health Care Reimbursement or Dependent Care Reimbursement account will automatically have the cash payment applied to these accounts. If excess dollars remain or the employee does not sign up for a Health Care or Dependent Care Account, the cash payment will automatically be paid as cash. This additional cash compensation is subject to all applicable state and federal taxes.

(f) An employee who elects dental coverage must maintain state-sponsored dental coverage for three years unless he/she experiences a valid change in status event. Employees who waive dental coverage cannot enroll in a state-sponsored dental plan for a period of three years. Employees must provide proof of other group dental insurance through his/her spouse or other present or former employer if dental coverage is waived. The employee will not receive a monthly cash payment if he/she waives dental coverage only.