POWERS OF INSURERS AND GROUP HOSPITAL SERVICE CORPORATIONS

(a) An insurer authorized to engage in the business of insurance in this state under Chapter 822, 841, or 883, an accident insurance company, health insurance company, or life insurance company authorized to engage in the business of insurance in this state under Chapter 982, or a group hospital service corporation may, either directly or through a subsidiary or affiliate, organize and operate a health maintenance organization under this chapter. (b) Any two or more insurers or group hospital service corporations described by Subsection (a), or their subsidiaries or affiliates, may jointly organize and operate a health maintenance organization under this chapter. (c) An insurer or group hospital service corporation may contract with a health maintenance organization to provide: (1) insurance or similar protection against the cost of care provided by the health maintenance organization; and (2) coverage if the health maintenance organization does not meet its obligations. (d) The authority of an insurer or group hospital service corporation under a contract described by Subsection (c) may include the authority to make benefit payments to a health maintenance organization for health care services provided by physicians or providers under a health care plan.