If an association described in Section 10490.1 has operated pursuant thereto since January 1, 1945, it may procure a certificate of exemption from the commissioner upon meeting all of the requirements of this article relating thereto except those of Section 10494. Thereafter such association shall be subject to:
(a) All of the requirements of this article relating to an association holding a certificate of exemption except Section 10494, and
(b) The limitations of Section 10490.1, except that it may pay disability benefits in amounts not exceeding three thousand six hundred dollars ($3,600) in the aggregate in any one calendar year on account of the disability of any one person.