Memorial and Lincoln are paying death benefits under policies. If Memorial and Lincoln encounter severe financial problems and are liquidated, the insurance guaranty association will pay benefits under policies that are in-force at the time the death or surrender occurs. Many consumers and funeral homes assigned their benefits under the insurance policies to NPS. In order to ensure that benefits reach the funeral home as quickly and as directly as possible, Memorial and Lincoln are working on having the benefits re-assigned to consumers and funeral homes. The assignments do not currently present major issues for consumers because NPS and Memorial are currently being managed together. Consumers will be updated promptly should events change which may affect these assignments.