(a) A political subdivision that does not provide health benefits coverage through a self-insured plan or a plan authorized under Chapter 172 is not required to provide coverage under this chapter if the political subdivision makes a good faith effort to purchase insurance coverage that includes coverage required by this chapter from an insurance company authorized to do business in this state and from pools established under Chapter 172 but is unable to find a provider for the coverage.
(b) A political subdivision that is providing coverage substantially similar to or better than the coverage required by this chapter is exempt from this chapter.