(a) There shall be maintained in the State Treasury the Public Employees’ Health Care Fund to fund the health benefit plans administered or approved by the board. The board may invest funds in the Public Employees’ Health Care Fund in accordance with the provisions of law governing its investment of the retirement fund.
(b) The Public Employees’ Health Care Fund shall consist of the following:
(1) Any self-funded or minimum premium plan premiums paid by contracting agencies, the state and enrolled employees, annuitants, and family members, including premiums paid directly for continuation coverage authorized under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, and as authorized by this part.
(2) Any reserve moneys from terminated health benefit plans designated by the board.
(c) Income earned on the Public Employees’ Health Care Fund shall be credited to the fund.
(d) Notwithstanding Section 13340, the Public Employees’ Health Care Fund is continuously appropriated, without regard to fiscal years, to pay benefits and claims costs, the costs of administering self-funded or minimum premium health benefit plans, refunds to those who made direct premium payments, and other costs as the board may determine necessary, consistent with its fiduciary duty.
(e) The Legislature finds and declares that the Public Employees’ Health Care Fund is a trust fund held for the exclusive benefit of enrolled employees, annuitants, family members, the self-funded plan administrator, and those contracting to provide medical and hospital care services.