§ 15-1016. Construction of power relating to benefits from social security, medicare, medicaid, or other governmental programs or military service.

CONSTRUCTION OF POWER RELATING TO BENEFITS FROM

SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE, MEDICAID, OR OTHER

GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAMS OR MILITARY SERVICE

In a statutory power of attorney, the language granting power with respect to benefits from Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid or other governmental programs, or civil or military service empowers the agent to:

1.  Execute vouchers in the name of the principal for allowances and reimbursements payable by the United States or a foreign government or by a state or subdivision of a state to the principal, including allowances and reimbursements for transportation of the individuals described in paragraph 1 of Section 15 of this act, and for shipment of their household effects;

2.  Take possession and order the removal and shipment of property of the principal from a post, warehouse, depot, dock, or other place of storage or safekeeping, either governmental or private, and execute and deliver a release, voucher, receipt, bill of lading, shipping ticket, certificate, or other instrument for that purpose;

3.  Prepare, file, and prosecute a claim of the principal to a benefit or assistance, financial or otherwise, to which the principal claims to be entitled, under a statute or governmental regulation;

4.  Prosecute, defend, submit to arbitration, settle, and propose or accept a compromise with respect to any benefits the principal may be entitled to receive; and

5.  Receive the financial proceeds of a claim of the type described in this section, conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything received for a lawful purpose.

Added by Laws 1998, c. 420, § 16, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.