26-34-119. Powers of insurers and hospital and health service corporations.

(a) Any insurance company licensed in this state, or a hospital or health service corporation authorized to do business in this state, either directly or through a subsidiary or affiliate, may organize and operate a health maintenance organization under this chapter. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, any two (2) or more such insurance companies, hospitals or health service corporations, or subsidiaries or affiliates thereof, may jointly organize and operate a health maintenance organization. The business of insurance is deemed to include the providing of health care by a health maintenance organization owned or operated by an insurer or a subsidiary thereof.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, any insurer or any hospital or health service corporation may contract with a health maintenance organization to provide insurance or similar protection against the cost of care provided through health maintenance organizations and to provide coverage in the event of the failure of the health maintenance organization to meet its obligations.

(c) The enrollees of a health maintenance organization constitute a permissible group under this code or any other laws of this state. Among other things, under any contract specified the insurer or hospital or health service corporation may make benefit payments to health maintenance organizations for health care services rendered by providers.