About 20.8 million Original Medicare Part B enrollees qualify; Medicare Advantage members are excluded
WASHINGTON — The federal government is sending a one-time $90 payment to about 20.8 million Medicare beneficiaries this month, with most eligible recipients scheduled to receive the money by direct deposit on or around Oct. 8.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said the payment, formally called the Medicare Improvement Fund Premium Rebate, is intended to offset part of the cost of Medicare Part B coverage.
It is a single payment, not a recurring monthly benefit or a permanent reduction in Medicare premiums.
President Donald Trump announced the rebate Oct. 2. The money is being drawn from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which Congress created in 2008 to support improvements in the traditional Medicare program.
Eligibility is limited to qualifying beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare Part B who live in the United States, do not receive Medicaid assistance paying their Medicare premiums and do not pay the additional income-related Medicare premium known as IRMAA.
People enrolled in Medicare Advantage are not eligible.
The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026, up from $185 last year. The $90 payment therefore offsets less than half of one month’s standard premium.
CMS said most eligible beneficiaries will receive the money through Social Security direct deposit on or around Oct. 8. Those who do not receive payments electronically are expected to receive a Treasury check later in October.
No separate application has been announced.
Beneficiaries with questions about eligibility may call 1-800-MEDICARE, or 1-800-633-4227. CMS said people checking the status of an expected payment should contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 beginning Oct. 15.
The administration says roughly $2 billion is available for the rebates. At $90 each for about 20.8 million beneficiaries, the payments would total approximately $1.87 billion if all projected eligible recipients receive them.
