Millions of seniors, including nearly 750,000 Ohioans, are slated to receive $90 government-funded checks in the coming days through an initiative launched by President Donald Trump.
Many Medicare Part B enrollees across all 50 states are set to receive the one-time payments at some point early this month, the White House announced on Oct. 2. The checks, which are being paid for from a fund that was earmarked by Congress in 2008, are intended to help eligible Medicare enrollees pay for Part B premiums.
Here's what to know about the $90 checks and how to see if you qualify.
Who is getting $90 Medicare checks?
The $90 payments are headed to more than 20 million Medicare Part B enrollees across all 50 states, with the most populated states receiving the most checks, according to a White
House breakdown of the payments reviewed by USA TODAY.
Individuals whose health care premiums are already paid by Medicaid or who pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount do not qualify for the $90, the White House said.
In Ohio, an estimated 748,000 senior beneficiaries qualify for the checks.
Below is a state-by-state breakdown detailing where Trump's $90 checks for seniors are going, according to the White House:
How Ohioans can check eligibility for $90 Medicare checks
Most, but not all, Medicare Part B enrollees are eligible for the payments, per the White House. Those who already receive premium assistance through Medicaid or pay an adjusted amount based on income do not qualify.
Seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage, a private plan offered as an alternative to traditional coverage, are not eligible either.
Seniors who want to check on their eligibility for the rebate can call 1-800-633-4227.
When will Medicare enrollees get $90 checks?
The majority of eligible seniors will receive their payment via direct deposit from the Social Security Administration on or around Oct. 8, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Those without direct deposit will receive a paper check at the address they have registered with Medicare later in October. The check will be from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and labeled "Medicare Improvement Fund Payment; $90 Payment to Offset October Premium," per CMS.
To check on payment status, eligible beneficiaries can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
How are $90 checks being funded?
To fund the payments, the Trump administration is diverting money from the $2 billion Medicare Improvement Fund, which Congress created in 2008 to improve Medicare services.
Trump called the fund a "pointless 'Slush Fund'" in a Truth Social post announcing the checks. The White House said the improvement fund has never been utilized.
Other promised payments from Trump
Trump announced the rebate as affordability and high costs are top of mind for many midterm voters, but the Medicare rebate isn't the only payment he's promised.
On Sept. 30, his administration began sending $500 checks to nearly 1 million Americans across 30 states who it said were overcharged by fees through the Affordable Care Act's federal exchange for buying health insurance.
Trump has also vowed to distribute $5,000 dividend payments to all American adults if Republicans retain control of Congress through midterms ‒ an offer that critics have slammed as a bribe for votes.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Nearly 750K Ohioans to receive $90 Medicare checks. Do you qualify?
