POWERS AND DUTIES OF COOPERATIVES.

(a) A cooperative shall:

(1) arrange for small or large employer health benefit plan coverage for small employer groups, large employer groups, and, subject to Section 1501.0581, eligible single-employee businesses that participate in the cooperative by contracting with small or large employer health benefit plan issuers that meet the requirements established by Section 1501.061;

(2) collect premiums to cover the cost of:

(A) small or large employer health benefit plan coverage purchased through the cooperative; and

(B) the cooperative's administrative expenses;

(3) establish administrative and accounting procedures for the operation of the cooperative;

(4) establish procedures under which an applicant for or participant in coverage issued through the cooperative may have a grievance reviewed by an impartial person;

(5) contract with small or large employer health benefit plan issuers to provide services to small or large employers covered through the cooperative; and

(6) develop and implement a plan to maintain public awareness of the cooperative and publicize the eligibility requirements for, and the procedures for enrollment in, coverage through the cooperative.

(b) A cooperative may:

(1) contract with agents to market coverage issued through the cooperative;

(2) contract with a small or large employer health benefit plan issuer or third-party administrator to provide administrative services to the cooperative;

(3) negotiate the premiums paid by its members; and

(4) offer other ancillary products and services to its members that are customarily offered in conjunction with health benefit plans.

(c) A cooperative shall comply with:

(1) federal laws applicable to cooperatives and health benefit plans issued through cooperatives, to the extent required by state law or rules adopted by the commissioner; and

(2) state laws applicable to cooperatives and health benefit plans issued through cooperatives.

(d) To be eligible to exercise the authority granted under Subsection (a)(1), a health group cooperative must have at least 10 participating employers.