(a)      The Advisory Council shall advise the Secretary on:

            (1)      health insurance benefit options that should be included in the Program;

            (2)      types of health care providers that should be used to provide health insurance benefits under the Program;

            (3)      procedures for soliciting bids or requesting proposals from health care providers for contracts for the Program;

            (4)      the implementation, maintenance, and administration of the health insurance benefits under the Program; and

            (5)      negotiations involving health insurance benefits under the Program.

      (b)      The Advisory Council shall meet at least quarterly at the times and places that it determines.

      (c)      The Advisory Council shall:

            (1)      maintain a record of its meetings, proceedings, and transactions; and

            (2)      submit an annual report to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly.

      (d)      The Secretary shall give due consideration to the concerns expressed by the Advisory Council members who are representatives of employee organizations.

      (e)      Each member of the Advisory Council is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

      (f)      The Department shall provide administrative support to the Advisory Council.