§ 31–3417. Powers of insurance corporations.

(a) An insurance company authorized to do business in the District may, either directly or through a subsidiary or affiliate, organize and operate a health maintenance organization under the provisions of this chapter. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, any 2 or more such insurance companies, 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 subsidiary thereof.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of insurance laws, an insurer 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 a health maintenance organization to meet its obligations.

(c) The enrollees of a health maintenance organization constitute a permissible group under such laws. Among other things, under such contracts the insurer may make benefit payments to health maintenance organizations for health care services rendered by providers.