PURPOSES.

The purposes of this chapter are to:

(1) provide uniformity in the basic group life, accident, and health benefit coverages for all system employees;

(2) enable the systems to attract and retain competent and able employees by providing employees with basic life, accident, and health benefit coverages comparable to those commonly provided in private industry and to employees of a state agency other than a system, including a public college or university whose employees are covered under Chapter 1551;

(3) foster, promote, and encourage employment by and service to the systems as a career profession for individuals of high standards of competence and ability;

(4) recognize and protect the investment of the systems in each employee by promoting and preserving economic security and good health among employees;

(5) foster and develop high standards of employer-employee relationships between the systems and their employees; and

(6) recognize the long and faithful service and dedication of employees and encourage them to remain in service until eligible for retirement by providing health benefits and other group benefits for them.