Section 56-51-105 - Certificate of authority required - Ambulance service plans - Exceptions(a) A person, corporation, partnership, or other entity may not operate a prepaid limited health service organization in this state without obtaining and maintaining a certificate of authority from the department pursuant to this chapter.(b) A political subdivision of this state that is operating an emergency medical services system and offers a prepaid ambulance service plan as a part of its emergency medical services system shall be exempt from this chapter and all other provisions of this title.(c) An insurer, while authorized to transact health insurance in this state, or a health maintenance organization possessing a valid certificate of authority in this state, or a duly licensed medical and hospital service corporation may also provide services under this chapter without additional qualification or authority, but shall be otherwise subject to the applicable provisions of this chapter.