(a) Except for a participant who participates in a cafeteria plan, each individual eligible to participate in the uniform program under Section 1601.101 must authorize a deduction from the participant's monthly compensation in an amount equal to the difference between:
(1) the total cost for coverages for which the participant applies; and
(2) the amount contributed by the system.
(b) The authorization must be:
(1) in writing or performed electronically; and
(2) in a form satisfactory to the system.