US President Donald Trump has announced that more than 20 million Medicare enrollees will receive a one-time payment of $90 to help cover the cost of their Medicare Part B premiums.
The White House said the payments will be made from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which Congress has allocated $2 billion to support improvements to the Medicare fee-for-service programme.
According to the White House, most eligible recipients will receive the $90 payment through direct deposit in early October. Those without direct deposit are expected to receive a cheque at the mailing address registered with Medicare.
The payment will not be available to everyone enrolled in Medicare. The White House said people whose Part B premiums are already paid through Medicaid, as well as beneficiaries who pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount, will not qualify.
Trump said the payment is intended to help older Americans manage the cost of their monthly medical insurance premiums.
The announcement comes as the administration continues to focus on reducing healthcare costs for Americans. The White House has also highlighted other measures involving prescription drug prices, health insurance and efforts to combat Medicare and healthcare fraud.
Reuters reported that the announcement is one of several financial proposals Trump has made ahead of the November midterm elections, when control of Congress will be contested.
Trump has also previously proposed a $5,000 payment to adult US citizens if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress. That proposal is separate from the Medicare payment announced this week.
For eligible Medicare beneficiaries, the $90 payment is expected to be delivered in early October. Recipients can contact Medicare or the Social Security Administration for information about eligibility and payment status.