President Donald Trump announced late Friday that the federal government will issue one-time payments of $90 to more than 20 million Medicare Part B enrollees to help cover their premiums.

The payments will draw from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which Congress established in 2008 with roughly $2 billion to improve the fee-for-service program. No prior administration had used the fund for direct payments to beneficiaries. The White House fact sheet stated that most eligible seniors will receive the money via direct deposit or mailed check in early October.

Eligibility covers most Part B enrollees. Those whose premiums are paid by Medicaid or who pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount do not qualify. Seniors can verify status by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Trump posted on Truth Social that the action returns funds to seniors rather than special interests. He described the fund as a pointless slush fund previously misused, including by Democrats in connection with the Affordable Care Act. The president also noted prior reductions in Part B premiums under his administration.

The announcement comes weeks before the November midterm elections. Trump has made similar direct payment pledges in recent weeks, including proposals tied to Republican control of Congress.

The standard 2026 Part B premium stands at $202.90 monthly. The $90 payment offsets less than half of one month's cost for qualifying recipients. The White House positioned the move as the first direct use of the fund to lower costs for seniors.