1. Notwithstanding any direct or implied prohibitions in chapter 375, 377, or 379, any three or more counties of this state may form a business association for the purpose of providing health insurance to cover the mandated costs of health care to prisoners in county jails.

2. The insurance pursuant to this section may be provided through private insurance companies, publicly established insurance companies or the establishment of a mutual insurance company.

3. The state of Missouri may join an association as a member to pay for the health care costs of state prisoners being held in county jails. The state may limit the extent to which it pays for such costs.