(a) For purposes of this section, “benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service” means any benefit, program or assistance provided under a federal or state 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 subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 1-351l, 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 federal or state 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 federal or state 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.

(P.A. 15-240, S. 37; P.A. 16-40, S. 9.)

History: P.A. 15-240 effective July 1, 2016; P.A. 16-40 changed effective date of P.A. 15-240, S. 37, from July 1, 2016, to October 1, 2016, effective May 27, 2016.