The compulsory portion of Medicare which automatically enrolls all persons aged 65 and over, entitled to benefits under OASDHI or railroad retirement, persons under 65 who have been eligible for disability for over two years, and insured workers (and their dependents) requiring renal dialysis or kidney transplantation. The program pays, after various cost-sharing requirements are met, for inpatient hospital care and care in skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies following a period of hospitalization. The program is financed from a separate trust fund funded with a contributory tax (payroll tax) levied on employers, employees and the self-employed. In 1976 the tax is 0.9 percent of the first $15,300 of covered yearly earnings. Under the program each hospital nominates an intermediary which reviews and pays claims from that hospital for the program.