Notwithstanding the provisions of P.L.1961, c.49 (C.52:14-17.26 et seq.) to the contrary, from funds appropriated therefor, the State shall pay the premium or periodic charges for the benefits provided to a retired State employee and any dependents under the program, but not including survivors, if the employee:
The health care benefits coverage in retirement under the program to which the former State employee is entitled shall be deferred. The former State employee shall notify the program of the date on which employment as the Administrative Director of the Courts is terminated and the deferred retirement is to commence pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2019, c.287 (C.43:6A-11.1). The former State employee and the employee's dependents shall be enrolled in the program as soon as feasible after that termination date and shall be entitled to such health care benefits coverage and payments for such coverage as the former State employee was eligible on the date terminating full-time employment as a judge with the State.
N.J.S. § 52:14-17.32o