Trump announces one-time $90 payment for Medicare seniors
More than 20 million Medicare enrollees could soon see an extra $90 hit their bank accounts as the Trump administration announces a one-time payment intended to help cover Medicare Part B premiums. President Donald Trump announced the payment Friday, saying the money will come from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which Congress funded with $2 billion to improve Medicare's fee-for-service program.
The $90 payments will drop soon
The White House says most eligible seniors will receive the payment through direct deposit in early October. Those without direct deposit will get a check sent to the mailing address they have registered with Medicare.
Trump has explained that the payments are intended to help offset October premiums and give seniors more money to use toward their healthcare needs. According to the administration, more than 20 million people are expected to benefit.
Not every Medicare enrollee qualifies
The $90 is aimed at certain people enrolled in Medicare Part B. According to the White House, people who already receive premium assistance through Medicaid or pay income-adjusted Medicare premiums are not eligible.
Additionally, seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage do not qualify for this payment. Those who aren't sure about their eligibility can contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.
It’s payment season
The $90 Medicare payment is not happening in isolation. The Trump administration has also announced $500 payments to roughly 1 million Affordable Care Act enrollees across 30 states, describing those payments as refunds for what it considers excessive fees charged to people who bought ACA coverage.
Trump has also proposed $5,000 checks for every American adult if Republicans maintain control of Congress after the midterm elections. That proposal could cost more than $1 trillion and has already attracted skepticism from economists, analysts and some Republicans. Democrats, meanwhile, have accused Trump of using payments to appeal to voters ahead of the November elections.
