The cost of the health care coverage provided through the program shall be paid through a combination of contributions paid by the small business, premiums paid by participating employees, and county, federal, state, or private sector funding made available for this purpose. The local initiative may determine the amount of the employer contribution for each participating eligible employee. The local initiative may structure the required employee premium amounts according to a schedule that takes into account the individual employee’s age or income level, or both. In order to enhance the affordability of coverage offered through the program to eligible small businesses and employees, the county and the local initiative shall negotiate discounted rates for services provided to participants in the program by providers operated by the county or by providers with whom, or with which, the county has contracted to provide health care services.