Trump announces one-time $90 payments for more than 20 million Medicare enrollees

President Donald Trump said his administration will send one-time payments of $90 to more than 20 million Medicare enrollees to help offset the cost of their monthly insurance premiums.

Trump announced the payments in a Truth Social post late Friday, describing them as “nearly $100.” He said the approximately $2 billion needed would come from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which he called a “pointless ‘Slush Fund.’” Congress provided the fund with money to improve Medicare’s fee-for-service program.

The White House said most eligible recipients would receive a $90 direct deposit in early October. Those who do not use direct deposit would receive checks at the mailing addresses registered with Medicare, also in early October.

It was not immediately clear whether the administration has the authority to use the Medicare Improvement Fund for the payments. The standard monthly Medicare Part B premium is $202.90, according to MS NOW.

The announcement comes about a month before the November midterm elections. Trump has separately proposed $5,000 payments to adult U.S. citizens if Republicans retain control of Congress, a proposal that would require congressional approval. His administration also recently began sending $500 payments to nearly one million people that it described as refunds for excessive Affordable Care Act fees.