ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS.

(a) An insurer may not deliver, renew, or issue for delivery in this state a health insurance policy that prohibits or restricts a covered person from making a written assignment of benefits to a physician or other health care provider who provides health care services to the person.

(b) This section does not:

(1) provide a coverage or benefit that is not otherwise available under the health insurance policy;

(2) allow assignment of a benefit to:

(A) a person who is not legally entitled to receive such a direct payment; or

(B) another person if, under the health insurance policy or plan, the benefit must be provided to the covered person by a physician or other health care provider who is a contractor or preferred provider under the policy; or

(3) prohibit an insurer from verifying, through the insurer's normal process, the health care services the physician or other health care provider provides to the covered person.