The state or federal government, or any entity or political subdivision of the state or federal government, may be a member of a health provider cooperative. Any state or federal governmental hospital may be a member of a health provider cooperative. With respect to federal governmental participation:
1. A health provider cooperative may limit its enrollment to those persons entitled to care under the federal program responsible for the health provider cooperative.2. A health provider cooperative may request that the commissioner waive the eligibility requirements for participation that are contrary to federal law or regulations.3. The commissioner shall consult with federal officials to develop procedures to allow a health provider cooperative to use the federal government as a guaranteeing organization.4. In developing and implementing initiatives to expand access to health care, the commissioner must recognize the unique problems of veterans and consider methods to reach underserved portions of the veteran population.