(a)
An individual covered by a voluntary plan approved under Section 3254 may, at the time he or she applies for voluntary plan benefits or at any time while receiving voluntary plan benefits, voluntarily choose to allow his or her employer or an agent of the employer, appointed under Section 1096, to redirect a portion of the voluntary plan benefits payable under this code to cover all or part of the cost of employee-paid benefits, if both the following requirements are satisfied:
(1)
The individual has given written authorization for the redirection of a weekly dollar amount of voluntary plan benefits for the payment of the employee-paid benefits.
(2)
The individual may terminate or change the terms of the voluntary redirection of benefits paid at any time while receiving benefits under the voluntary plan.
(b)
Any request to redirect benefits as provided in subdivision (a) shall be in writing. The form of employee authorization required under this section shall be approved by the director.
(c)
In no event shall disability benefits payments be delayed because an individual elects to redirect a portion of his or her benefits payable under this division.
(d)
Should an individual be legally declared incompetent, the spouse of the individual, in the absence of any other legally authorized representative, shall have the right to continue or cancel the authorization.