(1) In this section, "benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service" means any benefit, program, or assistance provided under a statute or regulation including social security, medicare, and medicaid.
(2) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service authorizes the agent to:
Execute vouchers in the name of the principal for allowances and reimbursementspayable 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 section 15-14-736 (1)(a), and for shipment of their household effects;
Take possession and order the removal and shipment of property of the principalfrom 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;
Enroll in, apply for, select, reject, change, amend, or discontinue, on the principal'sbehalf, a benefit or program;
Prepare, file, and maintain a claim of the principal for a benefit or assistance, financial or otherwise, to which the principal may be entitled under a statute or regulation;
Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation concerning any benefit or assistance the principal may be entitled to receive under a statute or regulation; and
Receive the financial proceeds of a claim described in paragraph (d) of this subsection (2) and conserve, invest, disburse, or use for a lawful purpose anything so received.
Source: L. 2009: Entire part added, (HB 09-1198), ch. 106, p. 408, § 1, effective April 9.