Federal Policy
White House Sends $90 Payments to Traditional Medicare Enrollees
The White House announced that more than 20 million traditional Medicare enrollees will receive one-time $90 payments in early October to help offset Part B premiums, funded through the Medicare Improvement Fund. Payments go via direct deposit or mailed check; enrollees whose premiums are already covered by Medicaid, those paying income-related adjustment amounts, Medicare Advantage enrollees, and people living outside the U.S. are not eligible. The fund, established in 2008, had never previously issued payments despite fluctuating congressional funding levels. The action follows separate $500 payments sent to over 950,000 people over claimed ACA exchange overcharges.
Why it mattersState Medicaid agencies and dual-eligible stakeholders should note that enrollees whose Part B premiums are paid by Medicaid are explicitly excluded from the payment, which could prompt beneficiary confusion and inquiries.