President Donald Trump said the U.S. government will send one-time $90 payments to more than 20 million Medicare enrollees to help cover Medicare Part B premiums, announcing another direct payment program ahead of November’s midterm elections.
The White House said eligible recipients will receive the money in early October, primarily through direct deposit, while those without direct deposit will receive checks at addresses registered with Medicare.
The payments will come from the Medicare Improvement Fund, established by Congress in 2008 and allocated about $2 billion for improvements to the Medicare fee-for-service program.
The White House said no previous administration had used the fund for such payments.
Not all Medicare enrollees will qualify.
People whose Part B premiums are paid by Medicaid and higher-income beneficiaries who pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount are excluded, according to the White House.
Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF, told CNN that Medicare Advantage participants also appeared not to qualify.
Medicare Part B covers services including doctors’ visits, outpatient hospital care, medical equipment and physician-administered drugs.
The standard monthly premium is $202.90 after increasing by $17.90 from 2025 to 2026, according to CNN.
The announcement adds to a series of financial measures and proposals from Trump as Republicans seek to retain control of Congress in the November midterm elections.
The administration has also begun sending $500 payments to nearly one million Affordable Care Act enrollees, describing them as refunds for excessive fees associated with coverage purchased through the federal exchange.
Trump has separately pledged $5,000 payments to every American adult if Republicans retain control of both the House and Senate.
The Medicare payments come as living costs remain a concern for voters and shortly before Medicare Advantage open enrollment begins.
The Medicare Advantage market has faced insurer withdrawals from some markets, higher deductibles and reduced benefits, according to CNN.
Older Americans are also a significant electoral constituency, making the timing of healthcare-related payments politically notable ahead of the congressional vote.