(a) This section applies only to the surviving spouse of:
(1) an individual eligible to participate in the uniform program under Section 1601.101 who had at least five years of service on the date of the individual's death, including at least three years of service as an eligible employee with the employing system; or
(2) an individual eligible to participate in the uniform program under Section 1601.102.
(b) A surviving spouse to whom this section applies may elect to retain any of the following coverages in effect on the date of the participant's death:
(1) the surviving spouse's authorized coverages; and
(2) authorized coverages for any eligible dependent of the deceased participant.
(c) The coverage is at the group rate for other participants.