Title 26 Insurance Code

26-19-109. To whom benefits are payable.

(a) Any benefits under any group or blanket disability policy or contract are payable to the person insured, or to his designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, or to his estate, except that if the person insured is a minor or otherwise not competent to give a valid release, the benefits may be made payable to his parent, guardian or other person actually supporting him. The policy may provide that any indemnities provided by the policy because of hospital, nursing, medical or surgical services, at the insurer's option and unless the insured requests otherwise in writing not later than the time of filing proofs of loss, may be paid directly to the hospital or person rendering the services. The policy may not require that the service be rendered by a particular hospital or person. Any payment made under the policy discharges the insurer's obligation with respect to the amount of insurance so paid. (b) Any group disability policy which contains provisions for the insurer to pay benefits for expenses incurred for hospital, nursing, medical or surgical services for members of the family or dependents of a person insured may provide for the continuation of the benefit provisions entirely or partially after the death of the person insured.