A. 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.
B. 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:
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 subsection A of Section 36 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. Enroll in, apply for, select, reject, change, amend or discontinue, on the principal's behalf, a benefit or program;
4. 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;
5. Initiate, participate in or 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
6. Receive the financial proceeds of a claim described in paragraph 4 of this subsection and conserve, invest, disburse or use for a lawful purpose anything so received.
Added by Laws 2021, c. 332, § 37, eff. Nov. 1, 2021.