(a) The commissioner shall have the authority to issue a certificate of authority as a disability insurer to a CO-OP that has been organized as a nonprofit member organization or nonprofit member corporation under the laws of this state. The commissioner may also issue a certificate of authority as a disability insurer to a foreign CO-OP that has been organized as a nonprofit member organization or nonprofit member corporation under the laws of another state, provided that the entity meets the requirements governing CO-OPs under PPACA and this chapter. A CO-OP seeking or maintaining a certificate of authority pursuant to this chapter shall be subject to the same fees that are imposed on mutual insurers.
(b) A CO-OP admitted as a CO-OP insurer shall be subject to the same premium taxes as are imposed on for-profit health insurers with a certificate of authority from the commissioner.