118 STAT. 4009 PUBLIC LAW 108–496—DEC. 23, 2004 An individual may not be enrolled both as an employee, annuitant, or other individual eligible to enroll and as a member of the family. ‘‘(b) The Office shall prescribe regulations under which— ‘‘(1) an eligible individual may enroll in a vision benefits plan; and ‘‘(2) an enrolled individual may change the self-only, self plus one, or self and family coverage of that individual. ‘‘(c)(1) Regulations under subsection (b) shall permit an eligible individual to cancel or transfer the enrollment of that individual to another vision benefits plan— ‘‘(A) before the start of any contract term in which there is a change in rates charged or benefits provided, in which a new plan is offered, or in which an existing plan is terminated; or ‘‘(B) during other times and under other circumstances specified by the Office. ‘‘(2) A transfer under paragraph (1) shall be subject to waiting periods provided under a new plan. ‘‘§ 8987. Coverage of restored survivor or disability annu- itants ‘‘A surviving spouse, disability annuitant, or surviving child whose annuity is terminated and is later restored, may continue enrollment in a vision benefits plan subject to the terms and condi- tions prescribed in regulations issued by the Office. ‘‘§ 8988. Premiums ‘‘(a) Each eligible individual obtaining supplemental vision cov- erage under this chapter shall be responsible for 100 percent of the premiums for such coverage. ‘‘(b) The Office shall prescribe regulations specifying the terms and conditions under which individuals are required to pay the premiums for enrollment. ‘‘(c) The amount necessary to pay the premiums for enrollment may— ‘‘(1) in the case of an employee, be withheld from the pay of such an employee; or ‘‘(2) in the case of an annuitant, be withheld from the annuity of such an annuitant. ‘‘(d) All amounts withheld under this section shall be paid directly to the qualified company. ‘‘(e) Each participating qualified company shall maintain accounting records that contain such information and reports as the Office may require. ‘‘(f)(1) The Employee Health Benefits Fund is available, without fiscal year limitation, for reasonable expenses incurred by the Office in administering this chapter before the first day of the first contract period, including reasonable implementation costs. ‘‘(2)(A) There is established in the Employees Health Benefits Fund a Vision Benefits Administrative Account, which shall be available to the Office, without fiscal year limitation, to defray reasonable expenses incurred by the Office in administering this chapter after the start of the first contract year. ‘‘(B) A contract under this chapter shall include appropriate provisions under which the qualified company involved shall, during each year, make such periodic contributions to the Vision Benefits Administrative Account as necessary to ensure that the reasonable Regulations. Regulations. VerDate 11-MAY-2000 13:54 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00543 Fmt 6580 Sfmt 6581 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.001 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4
�
