Donald Trump has announced one-off Medicare payments of $90 for more than 20 million Americans, with eligible recipients expected to receive the money directly into their bank accounts or by post within days.
The payments are intended to help Medicare Part B enrollees meet their premiums. The White House said most beneficiaries covered by the scheme should see the money arrive in early October.
The administration said the funds would come from a little-used federal account and be returned directly to people facing healthcare costs.
However, the payment will not be available to every Medicare beneficiary. People whose Medicare premiums are already paid through Medicaid are excluded, as are higher-income recipients who pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, known as IRMAA.
No application appears to be required for those who qualify. Beneficiaries who normally receive federal payments by direct deposit are expected to have the money paid into their registered bank accounts.
Those without direct deposit will instead receive a cheque sent to the address held by Medicare, according to the White House.
The announcement was made by the president on Friday night, with the administration saying more than 20 million people would benefit from the one-time Medicare payment.
