2018 New Mexico Statutes
Chapter 59A - Insurance Code
Article 22 - Health Insurance Contracts
Section 59A-22-12 - Payment of claims.

There shall be a provision as follows:

Indemnity for loss of life will be payable in accordance with the beneficiary designation and the provisions respecting such payment which may be prescribed herein and effective at the time of payment. If no such designation or provision is then effective, such indemnity shall be payable to the estate of the insured. Any other accrued indemnities unpaid at the insured's death may, at the option of the insurer, be paid either to such beneficiary or to such estate. All other indemnities will be payable to the insured.

(The following provisions, or either of them, may be included with the foregoing provision at the option of the insurance company.)

(If any indemnity of this policy shall be payable to the estate of the insured, or to an insured or beneficiary who is a minor or otherwise not competent to give valid release, the insurance company may pay such indemnity, up to an amount not exceeding $. . . . . (insert an amount which shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), to any relative by blood or connection by marriage of the insured or beneficiary who is deemed by the insurance company to be equitably entitled thereto. Any payment made by the insurance company in good faith pursuant to this provision shall fully discharge the insurance company to the extent of such payment.)

(Subject to any written direction of the insured in the application or otherwise all or a portion of any indemnities provided by this policy on account of hospital, nursing, medical or surgical services may, at the insurance company's option and unless the insured requests otherwise in writing not later than the time of filing proofs of such loss, be paid directly to the hospital or person rendering such services; but it is not required that the service be rendered by a particular hospital or person.)

History: Laws 1984, ch. 127, § 433.