106 STAT. 2708 PUBLIC LAW 102-484—OCT. 23, 1992 subsection shall provide coverage for not less than a 24-month period."; (2) in subsection (b)(D, by striking out "one-year period" and inserting in lieu thereof 24-month period"; (3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (4) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection: "(c) EFFECT OF UNAVAILABILITY OF POUCIES. —(1) If the Secretary of Defense is unable, within a reasonable time, to enter into a contract with a private insurer to offer conversion health policies under subsection (a) at a rate not to exceed the payment required under section 8905a(d)(l)(A) of title 5 for comparable coverage, the Secretary shall provide the coverage re(][uired under such a policy through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services. Subject to paragraph (2), a person receiving coverage under this subsection shall be required to pay into the Military Health Care Account or other appropriate account an amount equal to the sum of— "(A) the individual and Government contributions which would be required in the case of a person enrolled in a health benefits plan contracted for under section 1079 of this title; and "(B) an amount necessary for administrative expenses, but not to exceed two percent of the amount under subparagraph (A). "(2) The amount paid by a person who purchases a conversion health policy from the Secretary of Defense under paragraph (1) may not exceed the payment required under section 8905a(d)(l)(A) of title 5 for comparable coverage. "(3) In order to reduce premiums required under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense may offer a program of coverage that, with respect to mental health services, offers reduced coverage and increased cost-sharing by the purchaser.". 10 USC 1086a (c) AppucATiON TO EXISTING CONTRACTS. —In the case of "°^- conversion health policies provided under section 1145(b) or 1086a(a) of title 10, United States Code, and in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall— (1) arrange with the private insurer providing these policies to extend the term of the policies (and coverage of preexisting conditions) as provided by the amendments made by this section; or (2) make other arrangements to implement the amendments made by this section with respect to these policies. SEC. 4408. CONTINUED HEALTH COVERAGE. (a) MEMBERS, EMANCIPATED CHILDREN, AND FORMER SPOUSES. —<1) Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1078 the following new section: ^§1078a. Continued health benefits coverage "(a) PROVISION OF CONTINUED HEALTH COVERAGE. —Beginning on October 1, 1994, the Secretary of Defense shall implement and carry out a program of continued health benefits coverage in accordance with this section to provide persons described in subsection (b) with temporary health benefits comparable to the health benefits provided for former civilian employees of the Federal (jovernment and other persons under section 8905a of title 5.
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