Section 10-7C-8 - Fund created; investment; premiums; appropriation.

10-7C-8. Fund created; investment; premiums; appropriation.

A.     There is created the "retiree health care fund".  All money in the fund shall be invested as provided for in Subsection D of this section.  All income earned from investment of the fund shall be credited to the fund. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the money in the fund is appropriated to the board to carry out the provisions of the Retiree Health Care Act.  Any funds remaining at the end of any fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund.     

B.     The board shall provide for the collection of premiums from eligible retirees and eligible dependents which money when combined with other money appropriated to the fund shall be sufficient to provide the required insurance coverage and to pay the expenses of the authority. All premiums and other money appropriated to the fund shall be credited to the fund.     

C.     All premiums and other money collected by the authority shall be received and disbursed directly by the authority.  Receipts and disbursements are subject to audit by the state auditor.     

D.     The board shall determine which money in the fund constitutes the long-term reserves of the authority. The state investment officer shall invest the long-term reserves of the authority in accordance with the provisions of Sections 6-8-1 through 6-8-16 NMSA 1978.  The state treasurer shall invest the money in the fund that does not constitute the long-term reserves of the fund in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 6, Article 10.