What $90 Actually Covers

The payment helps, but it won’t wipe out a month’s bill. The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month, so the payment covers less than half of one month’s cost.
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Where the Money Comes From

The money comes from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which Congress established in 2008 to finance improvements to Medicare’s fee-for-service program. The White House described this as the first time the fund has been used to make direct payments to Medicare beneficiaries. KFF’s Larry Levitt noted that previous administrations hadn’t used the fund this way, though Congress has periodically pulled money from it for other priorities.

The payment has drawn some scrutiny because of its timing, since it was announced just ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. It’s also separate from other proposals in the news. The $5,000 “Trump dividend” checks Trump has proposed would require congressional approval and have not been approved.

Watch Out for Scams

Any widely publicized government payment attracts scammers. Eligible people don’t need to apply, pay a fee or share personal information to get the $90. It arrives automatically by direct deposit or check. If someone calls, texts or emails asking for your Medicare number, bank details or a “processing fee” to release your payment, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE directly.