Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Small Employer Health Insurance Reform Act shall apply to any group health benefit plan that provides coverage to two (2) or more eligible employees of a small employer in this state and to individual health benefits plans providing coverage for the eligible employees of a small employer which may include the employer when three (3) or more of such individual plans are sold to a small employer if any of the portion of the premium is paid by the employer, and an eligible dependent or employee is reimbursed.