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Millions of Americans enrolled in Medicare are receiving $90 payments from the federal government this month as part of a Trump administration initiative to help offset health care costs.
More than 20 million Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for the one-time payments, with most expected to receive the money through direct deposit on or around Oct. 8, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
President Donald Trump announced the payments Oct. 2 to help seniors cover Medicare Part B premiums, which pay for services including doctor visits and outpatient care.
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The money comes from the Medicare Improvement Fund, established by Congress in 2008 to support improvements to traditional Medicare. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)
The standard monthly Part B premium rose to $202.90 in 2026, up from $185 last year, according to CMS. The $90 rebate covers roughly 44% of one month’s standard premium, but does not permanently lower beneficiaries’ costs.
Why are seniors getting $90 payments?
The money comes from the Medicare Improvement Fund, established by Congress in 2008 to support improvements to traditional Medicare.
The standard monthly Part B premium rose to $202.90 in 2026, up from $185 last year, according to CMS. (Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)
The White House said Congress allocated $2 billion to the fund and that this marks the first time it has been used to make direct payments to beneficiaries.
Who qualifies for the $90 Medicare payments?
Most Original Medicare Part B enrollees living in the United States qualify, but certain groups are excluded.
Those whose premiums are paid by Medicaid, higher-income beneficiaries who pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount and Medicare Advantage enrollees are not eligible, according to CMS.
Seniors can check their eligibility by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
When will the $90 Medicare checks arrive?
Most eligible beneficiaries will receive direct deposits on or around Oct. 8. Those without direct deposit will receive paper checks from the U.S. Treasury Department later in October.
Most Original Medicare Part B enrollees living in the United States qualify, but certain groups are excluded. (Getty Images)
The checks will be accompanied by a message identifying them as a “Medicare Improvement Fund Payment; $90 Payment to Offset October Premium,” according to CMS.
Beneficiaries can check their payment status by contacting the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 beginning Oct. 15.
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The $90 payments are separate from regular Social Security benefits and are not recurring.