Medicare: Washington announces a one-time US$90 payment

The White House announced on October 2 a one-time US$90 payment toward Medicare Part B premiums. More than 20 million people are targeted. [1]

An existing funding source

According to USA TODAY, financing comes from the $2 billion Medicare Improvement Fund. Created in 2008, the fund is intended to improve Medicare services. [2]

Limited eligibility

People whose premiums are already paid by Medicaid and those subject to an income-related surcharge are excluded, the White House says. [1]

Payments announced

USA TODAY reports that deposits and checks are planned for early October. The newspaper places the announcement ahead of November’s midterm elections. The announced schedule is not a tally of payments received. [2]