D.C. Code § 31-3303.13c: Licensing requirement for certain multiple employer welfare arrangements.

(a)

A multiple employer welfare arrangement that is not fully insured, as described in subsection (c) of this section, shall not operate in the District or market, offer, or issue a health benefit plan to any individual or employer in the District without first meeting the requirements for, and becoming licensed as, an insurer, a hospital and medical services corporation, a fraternal benefit society, or a health maintenance organization.

(b)

The existence of contracts of reinsurance shall not be considered in determining whether a multiple employer welfare arrangement is fully insured.

(c)

For the purposes of this section, a multiple employer welfare arrangement is not fully insured unless the covered benefits it provides are:

(1)

Insured on a direct basis by an insurance company licensed to transact the business of insurance in District; or

(2)

Arranged for or provided on a direct basis by

(A)

A hospital and medical services corporation;

(B)

A fraternal benefit society;

(C)

A health maintenance organization licensed in the District; or

(D)

Any combination of these entities.