§432G-10 Powers of insurers and hospital and medical service corporations. (a) An insurance company licensed in this State, or a hospital or medical service corporation authorized to do business in this State, either directly or through a subsidiary or affiliate, may organize and operate a dental insurer under the provisions of this chapter. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, any two or more insurance companies, hospital or medical service corporations, dental insurers, or subsidiaries or affiliates thereof, may jointly organize and operate a dental insurer. The business of insurance is deemed to include the providing of dental care services by a dental insurer owned or operated by an insurer or a subsidiary thereof.

(b) Notwithstanding any contrary provision of laws pertaining to insurance or hospital or medical service corporations under chapter 431, 432, or 432D, an insurer or a hospital or medical service corporation may contract with a dental insurer to provide insurance or similar protection against the cost of dental care services provided through dental insurers and to provide coverage in the event of the failure of the dental insurer to meet its obligations. The enrollees of a dental insurer constitute a group permitted under chapter 431, 432, or 432D. Among other things, under such contracts, the insurer or hospital or medical service corporation may make benefit payments to dental insurers for dental care services rendered by providers. [L 2013, c 191, pt of §1]