Trump announces $90 checks for more than 20 million seniors to help combat Medicare costs

Fox Business, CNN and The Independent report that President Donald Trump has announced one-time $90 payments to more than 20 million Medicare Part B enrollees, weeks before the midterm elections. Trump said late Friday on Truth Social that the money would come from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which he called a "slush fund" misused by Democrats in Congress. Delivery is set for early October, with paper checks going to people who do not receive a direct deposit, according to Fox Business · CNN.

Per the White House fact sheet, people whose premiums Medicaid covers, and those paying an income-related surcharge, are excluded. CNN adds that Congress created the fund in 2008 with $2.2 billion, that the White House says no administration has tapped it, and that KFF's Larry Levitt believes the half of enrollees in Medicare Advantage plans appear ineligible. CNN notes that premiums rose nearly 10 percent from 2025 to 2026. The Independent points out that $90 covers less than half of the $202.90 monthly premium.

Trump says the payments are separate from his promised $5,000 dividend, contingent on Republicans winning the midterms. Fox Business adds that Treasury has begun issuing $500 Affordable Care Act refunds to more than 950,000 people.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Fox Business · CNN, CNN and The Independent’s reporting. Read the full story at Fox Business · CNN → Also at CNN → Also at The Independent →