Trump announces $90 payment to Medicare Part B enrollees

President Donald Trump announced over the weekend that the federal government will make one-time payments of $90 per person to about 20 million Medicare Part B enrollees.

Where it’s coming from and who will receive it

The White House said the payments will come from the Medicare Improvement Fund. Congress established the fund to improve the Medicare fee-for-service program, and the Trump administration said the funds had never been used before. The $90 payments would largely deplete the fund, which currently stands at just over $2 billion.

In a news release, the administration said most Medicare Part B enrollees are eligible for the payments. Those whose premiums are paid by Medicaid or who pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA, do not qualify.

The White House didn’t say specifically whether Medicare Advantage enrollees who pay the Part B premium will qualify for the payment. More than half of eligible Medicare beneficiaries have Medicare Advantage, and most Medicare Advantage enrollees still pay the Part B premium.

Most eligible Americans will receive the payment as a direct deposit of $90 in early October. Those without direct deposit will receive a check, also sent in early October, to the mailing address they have registered with Medicare.

How far will $90 go?

The $90 payment represents less than half of the monthly standard Part B premium, which is $202.90. The official 2027 Part B premium hasn’t been announced yet, with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expected to announce the amount in November.

The best current estimate comes from the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report, which projects a $209.50 monthly Part B premium for 2027, up from $202.90 this year. That is an increase of roughly $6.60, or 3.25%, the smallest percentage rise in Medicare Part B premiums since 2023. The trustees' report also forecasts a 2027 Part B deductible of $292, just $9 above the 2026 figure.

Medicare annual enrollment period for 2027 begins Oct. 15.

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Susan Rupe is editor in chief, magazine, for InsuranceNewsNet. She formerly served as communications director for an insurance agents' association and was an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor. Contact her at susan.rupe@innfeedback.com.