Trump's $90 Medicare rebate rolls out, but millions are left out. Critics say it's a political stunt

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says his administration will make one-time payments of $90 per person to help more than 20 million Medicare enrollees pay for their Part B premiums. Less than one-third of all Medicare recipients are eligible for the payments, which are expected to be sent out this week. Not eligible are roughly 35 million Medicare Advantage enrollees, millions of other people with disabilities and low-income Medicare recipients.

The election-year promise that the Republican president made over the weekend comes as the Nov. 3 midterms are fast approaching, with the cost of living and healthcare expenses among the top issues for voters. Some questions and answers about the payouts: Who will benefit?

Some 20.8 million people in the original Medicare Part B who are living in the United States, not receiving premium assistance from Medicaid or not paying an income-related monthly adjusted amount. Medicare Advantage enrollees, who make up more than half of the eligible 64.2 million Medicare beneficiaries, will not receive a payment, according to KFF, a healthcare research nonprofit. Nor will 12 million low-income older adults and people with disabilities who get premium assistance.

The Part B program covers expenses such as doctor’s visits, ambulance services and lab tests. Total monthly costs generally start at about $200 and vary with income. When will the payments go out and how will they be disbursed?

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website, eligible beneficiaries will receive one $90 rebate this month, with most getting a direct deposit on or around Friday. Others will receive a paper check from the Treasury Department later in October. Juliette Cubanski, director of KFF’s program on Medicare policy, said the payment will be automatic.

To check on payment status, people should call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Payments will come out of the Medicare Improvement Fund created by Congress in 2008 and intended to make improvements to the … It will cost about $2 billion.Less than one-third of all Medicare recipients are eligible for the payments, which are expected to be sent out this week.