33-22-1503. Comprehensive health association -- mandatory membership. (1) There is established a nonprofit legal entity, to be known as the Montana comprehensive health association, with participating membership consisting of all insurers, insurance arrangements, societies, health maintenance organizations, and health service corporations licensed or authorized to do business in this state. The association is exempt from taxation under the laws of this state, and all property owned by the association is exempt from taxation.
     (2) All participating members shall maintain their membership in the association as a condition for writing health care benefits policies or contracts in this state. The association shall submit its articles, bylaws, and operating rules to the commissioner for approval.
     (3) The association may:
     (a) exercise the powers granted to insurers under the laws of this state;
     (b) sue or be sued;
     (c) borrow money;
     (d) enter into contracts with insurers, administrators, similar associations in other states, or other persons for the performance of administrative functions;
     (e) establish administrative and accounting procedures for the operation of the association;
     (f) provide for the reinsuring of risks incurred as a result of issuing the coverages required by members of the association;
     (g) provide for the administration by the association of policies that are reinsured pursuant to subsection (3)(f); and
     (h) issue additional types of health insurance policies to provide optional coverage, including medicare supplemental health insurance.

     History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 595, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 357, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 173, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 528, L. 1999.