Trump Announces One Time $90 Payment for More Than 20 Million Medicare Enrollees

President Donald Trump said late Friday that the US government will send a onen time $90 payment to over 20 million Americans on Medicare. The money is meant to offset the cost of monthly insurance premiums and will come from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which Trump says Congress gave $2 billion to improve the fee-for-service program. According to the White House, most eligible seniors will get a direct deposit in early October, while those without direct deposit will receive a check at the address registered with Medicare.

Payment Comes Before the November Midterms

The move is the latest in a string of financial promises to voters ahead of the November elections, which will decide control of Congress. Republicans hold narrow majorities in both chambers, while Trump’s approval rating has sunk to a career low over the cost of living, which has been pushed up by oil and gas prices tied to the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Other Payment Proposals From the Trump Administration

Last month Trump floated $5,000 checks for all adult citizens if Republicans keep Congress, a plan that drew skepticism from analysts, economists and some GOP lawmakers. The administration is also sending $500 payments to nearly 1 million people, which the White House describes as refunds for excessive fees charged on Affordable Care Act plans. Strategists say these could influence close races.