Medicare $90 rebates start landing as open enrollment nears
About 20.8 million people in original Medicare should start getting a one-time $90 rebate by direct deposit around Thursday. It is meant to help with Part B premiums, which are expected to rise next year. Medicare's yearly open enrollment runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
Many people on Medicare should see an extra $90 in their bank accounts starting this week.
The one-time payment is called the Medicare Improvement Fund Premium Rebate. Most eligible people will get it by direct deposit on or around Oct. 8, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. A letter or email from the president follows in mid-October. People without direct deposit will get a paper check from the Treasury later in October. It will say "Medicare Improvement Fund Payment; $90 Payment to Offset October Premium," Kiplinger reported.
About 20.8 million people qualify. You must be in original Medicare Part B and live in the United States. People in Medicare Advantage do not qualify. Neither do people whose premiums are paid by Medicaid or higher earners who pay an extra income-based charge. The payment comes automatically. A married couple who both qualify can get $180.
To check if you qualify, CMS says to call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). To check on a payment, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
The money comes from the Medicare Improvement Fund, created in 2008. President Donald Trump announced the rebate on Oct. 2.
The rebate lines up with next year's expected cost increase. Medicare trustees project the standard Part B premium will rise $6.60, to $209.50 a month in 2027. Over a year, that adds up to $79.20, so the $90 would cover it with $10.80 left over, Kiplinger noted. The official 2027 premium has not been announced yet.
Next comes open enrollment. From Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, people can switch Medicare Advantage or drug plans, or move between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Changes take effect Jan. 1.
Medicare's own guide says to start with your plan's Annual Notice of Change, which shows how costs and benefits may change in 2027. Compare estimates of total out-of-pocket costs, not just premiums, and check that your doctors and pharmacy are in the plan's network.
What we know: Most deposits are due around Oct. 8, and open enrollment opens Oct. 15.
What we don't: The official 2027 Part B premium, which CMS will announce later this fall.
Where outlets agree CMS and Kiplinger both say most eligible people should get the $90 by direct deposit around Oct. 8, with paper checks coming later in October.
Where they differ The rebate is sized against a projected 2027 Part B premium of $209.50, but the official figure has not been announced and could differ.