The plan shall have the general powers and authority granted under the laws of this state to health insurers and in addition thereto, the specific authority to do all of the following:

(1) Enter into contracts as are necessary or proper to carry out the provisions and purposes of this article, including the authority, with the approval of the commissioner, to enter into contracts with similar plans of other states for the joint performance of common administrative functions, or with persons or other organizations for the performance of administrative functions.

(2) Sue or be sued, including taking any legal actions necessary or proper to recover or collect assessments due the plan.

(3) Take legal action as necessary to do any of the following:

a. To avoid the payment of improper claims against the plan or the coverage provided by or through the plan.

b. To recover any amounts erroneously or improperly paid by the plan.

c. To recover any amounts paid by the plan as a result of mistake of fact or law.

d. To recover other amounts due the plan.

(4) Establish, and modify from time to time as appropriate, rates, rate schedules, rate adjustments, expense allowances, claim reserve formulas, and any other actuarial function appropriate to the operation of the plan. Rates and rate schedules may be adjusted for appropriate factors such as age, sex, and geographic variation in claim cost and shall take into consideration appropriate factors in accordance with established actuarial and underwriting practices.

(5) Issue policies of insurance in accordance with the requirements of this article and regulations issued pursuant thereto.

(6) Appoint appropriate legal, actuarial, and other committees as necessary to provide technical assistance in the operation of the plan, policy, and other contract design, and any other function within the authority of the pool.

(7) Borrow money to effect the purposes of the plan. Any notes or other evidence of indebtedness of the plan not in default shall be legal investments for insurers and may be carried as admitted assets.

(8) Establish rules, conditions, and procedures for participating insurers desiring to issue plan coverages in their own name.

(9) Employ and fix the compensation of employees.

(10) Prepare and distribute certificate of eligibility forms and enrollment instruction forms to the general public.

(11) Provide for reinsurance of risks incurred by the plan.

(12) Issue additional types of health insurance policies to provide optional coverages.

(13) Provide for and employ cost containment measures and requirements including, but not limited to, preadmission screening, second surgical opinion, concurrent utilization review, and individual case management for the purpose of making the benefit plan more cost effective.

(14) Design, utilize, contract, or otherwise arrange for the delivery of cost effective health care services, including establishing or contracting with preferred provider organizations, health maintenance organizations, and other limited network provider arrangements.

(15) Adopt bylaws, policies, and procedures as may be necessary or convenient for the implementation of this article and the operation of the plan.