$90 Medicare Rebates Arriving, but Many Beneficiaries Miss Out
WHO:
Fast Company - President Donald Trump announced the $90 payment.
ABC News - Juliette Cubanski, director of KFF’s program on Medicare policy, provided insights on the rebate payments.
ABC News - Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden criticized the rebate as a political stunt.
WHAT:
Fast Company - The government is sending a one-time $90 payment to more than 20 million Social Security recipients.
ABC News - The rebate will cost about $2 billion and is intended to help Medicare enrollees pay for their Part B premiums.
ABC News - Less than one-third of all Medicare recipients are eligible for the payments.
ABC News - Eligible beneficiaries will receive one $90 rebate this month, with most getting a direct deposit on or around Friday, October 8.
ABC News - Payments will come from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which was established in 2008.
WHERE:
Fast Company - The payments are being sent to Social Security recipients living in the United States.
ABC News - The checks will be sent from the Treasury Department.
WHEN:
Fast Company - Payments start arriving on Thursday, October 8.
ABC News - Others will receive a paper check from the Treasury Department later in October.
WHY:
ABC News - The rebate is part of an election-year promise made by Trump as the November 3 midterms approach, with healthcare expenses being a top issue for voters.
ABC News - Critics argue the payments are a preelection stunt designed to sway voters rather than address structural problems in healthcare costs.
HOW:
Fast Company - Eligible beneficiaries will receive the payment automatically without needing to call or sign up.
ABC News - People can check their eligibility for the premium rebate by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and check payment status by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
(UPDATED October 7, 2026 21:03 UTC)
President Trump has announced a one-time $90 payment for more than 20 million Social Security recipients, which is intended to help Medicare enrollees cover their Part B premiums. The rebate will cost about $2 billion and is set to begin arriving on October 8, with eligible beneficiaries receiving the payment automatically, while others will get a paper check later in the month. Critics, including Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, have labeled the rebate a political stunt as the midterm elections approach, arguing it fails to address deeper issues in healthcare costs.