It is the policy of this State that the benefits available under the federal Social Security Act shall be provided to the employees and officers of this State and its political subdivisions and to their dependents and survivors.

As authorized by former Article 89, §§ 30 through 40 of the Code and subject to applicable federal law, the Secretary of Budget and Management, acting on behalf of this State, may enter into, carry out, modify, or terminate an agreement with the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services to extend the benefits available under the federal Social Security Act to the employees and officers of this State and its political subdivisions and to the dependents and survivors of those employees and officers.