(1) An insurance company licensed in this state or a hospital or medical service corporation authorized to do business in this state, after applying for and receiving a certificate of authority as a health maintenance organization, may through a subsidiary or affiliate organize and operate a health maintenance organization under the provisions of this article. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, any two or more insurance companies, hospital or medical service corporations, or subsidiaries or affiliates thereof, may jointly organize and operate a health maintenance organization. The business of insurance is considered to include the providing of health care by a health maintenance organization owned or operated by an insurer or a subsidiary thereof.
