The 1972 Amendments extended HI and SMI protection,
effective 7/1/73, to SSA and RRB beneficiaries, fully or currently insured individuals,
and their spouses and dependent children, whose kidney failure has progressed to the
point that they have end stage renal disease (ESRD).
Entitlement to HI and SMI based on ESRD extends only to the individual who has ESRD,
not to other members of the family.
Entitlement to Medicare on the basis of ESRD provides protection for all services
covered by Medicare, not only those related to kidney disease.