Sec. 502. CONSTRUCTION OF POWER RELATING TO BENEFITS FROM CERTAIN GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAMS OR CIVIL OR MILITARY SERVICE

In a statutory durable power of attorney, the language conferring authority with respect to benefits from social security, Medicare, Medicaid, or other governmental programs or civil or military service empowers the attorney in fact or agent to:

(1) execute vouchers in the name of the principal for allowances and reimbursements payable by the United States, a foreign government, or a state or subdivision of a state to the principal, including allowances and reimbursements for transportation of the individuals described by Section 501(1) of this code, 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 and conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything received for a lawful purpose.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 49, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.