President Donald Trump announced on Friday that his administration is moving to send $90 checks to more than 20 million seniors to help cover the rising costs of Medicare Part B premiums.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that these payments—totaling around $2 billion—will be funded through the Medicare Improvement Fund. He criticized the fund, calling it a “pointless ‘Slush Fund'” that has previously been used by Democrats in Congress for wasteful spending.
According to a White House fact sheet, the one-time payments of $90 will go to over 20 million Medicare Part B enrollees. Most of the eligible recipients can expect to see the money via direct deposit in early October, while others will receive a physical mailed check. The only seniors excluded from the payout are those whose premiums are already covered by Medicaid or those who pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.
With the standard Medicare Part B monthly premium set at $202.90 for 2026, the administration hopes this payment makes healthcare more affordable for retirees. Trump framed the move as part of his promise to protect Medicare and Social Security, contrasting his policies with those of Joe Biden.
This initiative is separate from the administration’s recent rollout of $500 refund checks to nearly one million Americans overcharged for ObamaCare. It also does not affect Trump’s campaign promise of a $5,000 “Trump dividend” for all U.S. citizens, which is contingent on Republicans winning the upcoming midterm elections.
