An insurer shall pay benefits directly to a physician or other health care provider, and the insurer is relieved of the obligation to pay, and of any liability for paying, those benefits to the covered person if:

1. (1) the covered person makes a written assignment of those benefits payable to the physician or other health care provider; and
2. (2) the assignment is obtained by or delivered to the insurer with the claim for benefits.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1274, Sec. 3, eff. April 1, 2005.