Trump announces one-time $90 payment for eligible Medicare Part B beneficiaries

US President Donald Trump has announced a one-time payment of $90 for eligible Medicare Part B beneficiaries. In Indian currency, the amount comes to about Rs 8,669. The number of eligible beneficiaries in the country has been put at 20.8 million, or about 2.08 crore. The announcement comes amid the build-up to the US Midterms 2026.

The money will be given to senior citizens to help them pay their medical insurance premium for the month of October. It will come from the "Medicare Improvement Fund". According to the US government, this will somewhat ease the additional burden of health expenses on the elderly.

In 2026, the standard monthly Medicare Part B premium is $202.90. The $90 aid will therefore not cover the full premium, but it will give the elderly considerable relief in their October medical expenses.

The Trump administration has laid down some conditions for the aid. It will not go to everyone alike, only to those who meet the rules. The first condition is that the beneficiary should be a native resident of the US and hold a membership of "Original Medicare Part B".

People who are part of the Medicare Advantage scheme have been excluded from the $90 scheme altogether. Those who are already receiving government help for the premium through Medicaid, or who pay the income-based additional charge on Part B (IRMAA), will also not be eligible.

Eligible people need not apply separately. The money will be credited directly. Those whose bank accounts are directly linked to the government system will receive the $90 by direct deposit by about October 8. Those without direct deposit will be sent a cheque by post to their registered address in the last part of October.

Trump announced the decision on his social media platform Truth Social. With only a few weeks left for the coming midterm elections, the move is being widely discussed in political circles. The Trump administration has announced several economic relief schemes ahead of the elections, and this is considered one of the major ones.

Trump has also made a separate proposal to give $5,000 to every American citizen above 18 years of age. Implementing it will require the approval of the US Congress (the Senate and the House). A process to return $500 to those who had paid more under the Affordable Care Act has also been started separately. All these schemes are entirely separate from the $90 Medicare scheme.