Trump sending ACA and Medicare checks, but will they offset costs?

The Trump administration is mailing health-related payments to millions of Americans, but policy specialists doubt the money will keep pace with climbing costs. Around 1 million people who bought Affordable Care Act coverage this year on federal exchanges and received no subsidies are getting $500 refund checks for overcharges, which began going out September 30. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that more than 20 million traditional Medicare enrollees in Part B will receive about $90 starting early October. The White House says the effort lowers costs, and spokeswoman Allison Schuster also pointed to drug-price deals and price transparency, according to CBS News.

Experts say the sums fall short. Juliette Cubanski of KFF noted that Part B premiums have already climbed by over $200 a year in 2026, with another $79 projected next year. Cynthia Cox of KFF said average marketplace premiums are up $780, or 58%, after Congress let enhanced tax credits expire in December. Max Richtman of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare predicted most seniors will barely notice the check.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CBS News’s reporting. Read the full story at CBS News →