02 Nov WHICH MEDICARE RECIPIENTS RECEIVED $90 IN OCTOBER?
Approximately 20.8 million (out of 60 million) Medicare recipients received $90 in October 2026 as a premium rebate for Part B premiums in an effort to make healthcare coverage more affordable. The $90 rebates are only available to original Medicare recipients living in the United States. However, it is not available to those (1) enrolled in a Medicare Advantage; (2) who pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) which are those who presently pay more than $202.90 monthly for their Medicare Part B premium; (3) beneficiaries who have their Medicare Part B paid for them due to their income being low through a Medicaid program (i.e., Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)); and (4) Medicare beneficiaries who live outside the United States.
Most have already received the $90 payment electronically from the Social Security Administration. A minority received the payment by check in the mail in October.
The funds for the one-time rebate came from the Medicare Improvement Fund which was created in 2008 to make improvements under Parts A and B for individuals entitled to, or enrolled for, benefits under Part A or enrolled under Part B. It has been used in the past to help pay for Obamacare.
There is no need to apply for the rebate. It is tax-free.
The Medicare Improvement Fund had about $2 billion before the rebate distributions. It is estimated that $1.87 billion will be used for the rebates leaving a small balance. Critics think it is politically motivated since it was done shortly before the mid-term elections.
If interested in learning more about this article or other estate planning, Medicaid and public benefits planning, probate, etc., attend one of our free upcoming Estate Planning Essentials workshops by clicking here or calling 214-720-0102. We make it simple to attend and it is without obligation.