; (2) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking , and has been for not less than 24 months, ; (3) in paragraph (2)(C)(ii), by striking , including the requirement that he has been entitled to the specified benefits for 24 months, ; (4) in the first sentence, by striking for each month beginning with the later of (I) July 1973 or (II) the twenty-fifth month of his entitlement or status as a qualified railroad retirement beneficiary described in paragraph (2), and and inserting for each month for which the individual meets the requirements of paragraph (2), beginning with the month following the month in which the individual meets the requirements of such paragraph, and ; and (5) in the second sentence, by striking the twenty-fifth month of his entitlement and all that follows through paragraph (2)(C) and . (b) Conforming amendments (1) Section 226 Section 226 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 426 ) is amended by— (A) striking subsections (e)(1)(B), (f), and (h); and (B) redesignating subsections (g) and (i) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively. (2) Medicare description Section 1811(2) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395c(2) ) is amended by striking have been entitled for not less than 24 months and inserting are entitled . (3) Medicare coverage Section 1837(g)(1) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395p(g)(1) ) is amended by striking 25th month of and inserting month following the first month of . (4) Railroad retirement system Section 7(d)(2)(ii) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 ( 45 U.S.C. 231f(d)(2)(ii) ) is amended— (A) by striking has been entitled to an annuity and inserting is entitled to an annuity ; (B) by striking , for not less than 24 months