The same relief given to CHAMPUS beneficiaries, a new enrollment opportunity, was
given to CHAMPVA beneficiaries because these individuals also were discouraged from
enrolling in SMI by the erroneous assurance that they could keep CHAMPVA despite HI
entitlement.
CHAMPVA beneficiaries eligible for SMI, whose IEP ended prior to 7/78, were permitted
to enroll for SMI between 1/1/78 and 6/30/78. SMI pursuant to such an enrollment began
7/1/78.
Following the general principles applied in CHAMPUS cases, an eligible CHAMPVA beneficiary
enrolling in 1978 did not have months prior to 7/78 counted in determining whether
(and how much) premiums would be increased for late filing. This rule applies even
if the individual enrolls later than 6/30/ 78. However, months after 6/30/78 are counted
in determining a premium increase.