study of universal coverage

study of universal coverage Sec. 311. (a) The Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is directed to undertake, as soon as possible after the date of the enactment of this Act, a thorough study with respect to the extent of the coverage under the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance programs and under the programs established by title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The study shall examine the feasibility and desirability of covering, under such social security programs. Federal employees, State and local governmental employees, and employees of non-profit organizations who are not now covered. The study shall include alternative methods of accomplishing such coverage together with any appropriate alternatives to extending coverage to such employees. (b) With respect to each major alternative method or proposal included in the study described in subsection (a), such study shall also include an analysis of the changes which would be required in the programs established by the Social Security Act and in any other systems or programs (such as retirement, survivorship, disability, and health 91 STAT. 1532programs) affecting the individuals who would be covered under such social security programs under such alternative method or proposal. Such analysis shall include the structural changes required in such programs, the financial impact of such changes, and the effect of such changes on the benefit rights and contribution liabilities of the affected individuals. (c) In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall consult, as appropriate, with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Chairman of Civil Service Commission, and those officials shall provide him with such information and assistance as he may require. The Secretary shall also solicit the views of other appropriate officials and organizations. (d) The Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall submit to the President and the Congress, not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, a report of the findings of the study required by subsection (a) together with his recommendations for any appropriate legislative changes.