About 20 Million Original Medicare Part B Enrollees Will Receive a One-Time 90 Dollar Payment This Month

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced on October 3 that about 20.8 million people enrolled in original Medicare Part B will receive a one-time 90 dollar payment this month. The Administration describes the payment as a partial offset of the monthly Part B premium, drawn from the Medicare Improvement Fund, a congressionally established account.

To qualify, a beneficiary must live in the United States, be enrolled in Medicare Part B, not receive help from Medicaid to pay their Part B premium, and not pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. That surcharge applies to enrollees whose income exceeds certain thresholds. People enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans are not eligible, regardless of income, because Medicare Advantage premiums are billed and paid differently.

Most eligible beneficiaries will receive a direct deposit of 90 dollars on or around October 8. Those without a direct deposit arrangement on file with the Social Security Administration will receive a paper check from the Department of the Treasury later in October. CMS says a communication from the President will accompany or follow the payment in mid-October.

Beneficiaries who want to check their eligibility can call 1-800-MEDICARE. Questions about payment status after October 15 may be directed to the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

The announcement comes 11 days before the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period opens on October 15, the window for switching Medicare Advantage or Part D drug coverage for 2027.