A.__Beginning October 1, 1999, the program must provide benefits to persons 62 years of age and older and to disabled persons as follows:

(1)__To those whose income is below 185% of the nonfarm income official poverty line with no cost sharing; and

(2)__To those whose income is equal to 185% or is greater than 185% but less than 300% of the nonfarm income official poverty line and who spend 25% of their income on prescription drugs.

B.__Beginning October 1, 1999, the program must provide benefits as provided in section 3174-V.

C.__Beginning October 1, 1999, the program must provide benefits provided in section 3174-T, subsection 2.

D.__Beginning October 1, 2000, the program must provide benefits to the following persons:

(1)__Persons whose income is below 150% of the nonfarm income official poverty line and who are not eligible for the Medicaid program;

(2)__Persons 62 years of age and older and disabled persons whose incomes are below 185% of the nonfarm income official poverty line;

(3)__Persons whose incomes are below 185% of the nonfarm income official poverty line who are parents or caretaker relatives of children under 19 years of age living in the same household; and

(4)__Persons whose incomes are below 250% of the nonfarm income official poverty line who are under 19 years of age.

4.__Determination of fiscal status; adjustment.__The commissioner shall determine the fiscal status of the program on a quarterly basis.__If that determination indicates surplus funding available to the program, the commissioner shall adjust the maximum eligibility levels in subsection 3 under section 3174-T, subsection 2, paragraph A-1 in a manner that is equitable among the different groups of eligible persons.

5.__Maximization of funds.__The department shall fully utilize all funds available for the program, shall apply for