§ 4044. Benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service
(a) As used 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, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(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 subdivision 4043(a)(1) of this title 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, 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 subdivision (4) of this subsection
and conserve, invest, disburse, or use for a lawful purpose anything so received. (Added 2023, No. 60, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.)