(a) The following persons are eligible for plan coverage:
(1) Any individual who is and continues to be a resident of this state if evidence is provided; of a notice of rejection or refusal to issue substantially similar insurance for health reasons by one insurer or of a refusal by an insurer to issue insurance except at a rate exceeding the plan rate, except that a rejection or refusal by an insurer offering only stop loss, excess of loss or reinsurance coverage shall not be sufficient evidence under this subdivision;