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.