(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, workers' compensation health benefits pilot projects are authorized under the provisions of this Code section.

(b) The Commissioner of Insurance shall adopt rules to enable employers and employees to enter into agreements to provide the employees with workers' compensation medical payments benefits through comprehensive health insurance that covers workplace injury and illness. The Commissioner of Insurance shall review all pilot project proposals and may approve a proposal only if it confers medical benefits upon injured employees substantially similar to benefits available under this chapter. The Commissioner shall revoke approval if the pilot project fails to deliver the intended benefits to the injured employees.

(c) The comprehensive health insurance may provide for health care by a health maintenance organization or a preferred provider organization. The premium must be paid entirely by the employer. The program may use deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment by the employees not to exceed $5.00 per visit or $50.00 maximum per occurrence.

(d) The Commissioner of Insurance shall report annually to the standing committees of the General Assembly having jurisdiction over insurance and labor matters by November 1 on the status of any pilot projects approved by the Commissioner.