The 1965 amendments added to the Social Security Act provisions for two related health
insurance programs, HI and SMI, for persons age 65 or over. Health insurance coverage
under one or both plans began July 1966.
The amendments of 1965 specifically provide that nothing in the health insurance provisions
shall be construed as authorizing any Federal employee to exercise any supervision
or control over the practice of medicine, the way in which medical services are provided,
or the administration or operation of medical facilities. The amendments also specify
that any individual who is entitled to health insurance benefits is free to obtain
services from any participating institution, agency, or person who is willing to provide
the services.
NOTE: This url provides a link to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: http://www.cms.gov