1.1                          A bill for an act 
  1.2             relating to human services; authorizing a study of the 
  1.3             extent and type of Medicare supplemental coverage for 
  1.4             low-income seniors. 
  1.5   BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
  1.6      Section 1.  [MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL COVERAGE FOR LOW-INCOME 
  1.7   SENIORS.] 
  1.8      The commissioner of human services, in consultation with 
  1.9   the commissioners of health and commerce, shall study the extent 
  1.10  and type of Medicare supplemental coverage for low-income 
  1.11  seniors.  The commissioner shall also study the qualified 
  1.12  Medicare beneficiaries eligible under Minnesota Statutes, 
  1.13  section 256B.057, subdivision 3, in terms of developing a 
  1.14  comprehensive set of services to supplement Medicare that these 
  1.15  individuals may need to ensure independence and control of their 
  1.16  lives.  The commissioner shall make recommendations on the 
  1.17  cost-effectiveness of expanding the benefits offered to 
  1.18  qualified Medicare beneficiaries including the feasibility of 
  1.19  the state providing health care coverage options to low-income 
  1.20  seniors that would provide a comprehensive set of services and 
  1.21  would build on existing or new Medicare products.  The 
  1.22  commissioner shall report to the legislature on the findings of 
  1.23  the study with any recommendations by January 15, 2000.