§ 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.