HI 00201.005 Additional Provisions Under the 1972 Amendments
The 1972 amendments added disabled beneficiaries to the list of claimants who are
entitled to both hospital (part A) and medical (part B) coverage and, for the first
time, provided coverage under part A on a premium paying basis for certain uninsured
claimants who were not otherwise eligible to receive this coverage. This legislation
also provided that the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) would be responsible for SMI
premium collection from all RRB annuitants, regardless of whether they are, or subsequently
become, SSA beneficiaries. (Prior to this, SMI premiums were collected by whichever
agency processed the individual's claim first. The various methods of premium collection
are fully described in HIIM 150.03.B.) The 1972 amendments also gave SSA the authority
to provide certain forms of relief to enrollees whose entitlement or reentitlement
rights have been prejudiced by error, misrepresentation, or inaction of an employee
or agent of the Government.