1. An insurance company authorized to engage in insuring individuals or groups for the cost of health care in this state or a corporation authorized under chapter 514 may either directly or through a subsidiary or affiliate do one or more of the following:
a. Organize and operate a health maintenance organization under the provisions of this chapter.
b. Contract with a health maintenance organization to provide insurance or similar protection against the cost of care provided through the health maintenance organization.
c. Contract with a health maintenance organization to provide coverage in the event of the failure of the health maintenance organization to meet its obligations.
2. Any two or more insurance companies, corporations, or their subsidiaries or affiliates may jointly organize and operate a health maintenance organization.