Every individual who—

1. (1) is entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A, or
2. (2) has attained age 65 and is a resident of the United States, and is either (A) a citizen or (B) an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence who has resided in the United States continuously during the 5 years immediately preceding the month in which he applies for enrollment under this part,

is eligible to enroll in the insurance program established by this part.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XVIII, § 1836, as added Pub. L. 89–97, title I, § 102(a), July 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 304; amended Pub. L. 92–603, title II, § 201(c)(1), Oct. 30, 1972, 86 Stat. 1372.)

Amendments

1972—Pub. L. 92–603 designed former par. (2)(B) as par. (1), former par. (1) as introductory clause in par. (2), and former pars. (2)(A)(i) and (ii) as pars. (2)(A) and (B), and struck out “(A)” after “(2)”.

Persons Convicted of Subversive Activities

Pub. L. 89–97, title I, § 104(b)(2), July 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 334, provided that:

“An individual who has been convicted of any offense under (A) chapter 37 [section 792 et seq. of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure] (relating to espionage and censorship), chapter 105 [section 2151 et seq. of Title 18] (relating to sabotage), or chapter 115 [section 2381 et seq. of Title 18] (relating to treason, sedition, and subversive activities) of title 18 of the United States Code, or (B) section 4, 112, or 113 of the Internal Security Act of 1950, as amended [section 783, 822, or 823 of Title 50, War and National Defense], may not enroll under part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act [

42 U.S.C. 1395j et seq.].”