Washington: US President Donald Trump has announced a one time USD 90 payment for more than 20 million Americans enrolled in Medicare to help offset the cost of their monthly medical insurance premiums.
Trump said the payments would be financed through the Medicare Improvement Fund, which he said had received USD 2 billion from Congress to support improvements to Medicare’s fee for service programme.
The White House said most eligible beneficiaries would receive USD 90 through direct deposit in early October. Those without direct deposit will receive a cheque at the mailing address registered with Medicare.
Medicare provides health insurance primarily to Americans aged 65 and older, as well as some younger people who meet eligibility requirements.
The announcement comes ahead of the November midterm elections, when control of the US House of Representatives and Senate will be contested. Republicans currently hold majorities in both chambers.
The administration has faced pressure over the cost of living as higher oil and gas prices have affected household expenses.
The Medicare payment follows other financial proposals announced by Trump. Last month, he proposed USD 5,000 payments to adult US citizens if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress after the midterms. The proposal has faced questions from economists and some Republican lawmakers over its implementation and financing.
Separately, the Trump administration is sending USD 500 payments to nearly one million Americans. The White House has described those payments as refunds for fees charged to people who purchased health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
