Benchmark coverage is health benefits coverage that is substantially equal to the health benefits coverage in one of the following benefit plans:

(a) Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan (FEHBP). The standard Blue Cross/Blue Shield preferred provider option service benefit plan that is described in, and offered to Federal employees under, 5 U.S.C. 8903(1).

(b) State employee plan. A health benefits plan that is offered and generally available to State employees in the State.

(c) Health maintenance organization (HMO) plan. A health insurance coverage plan that is offered through an HMO (as defined in section 2791(b)(3) of the Public Health Service Act) and has the largest insured commercial, non-Medicaid enrollment in the State.