Quick answer
CMS sent a one-time $90 payment in October 2026 to help offset the Part B premium. It went to people in Original Medicare Part B who live in the U.S., don’t get Medicaid help paying their Part B premium, and don’t pay the higher-income surcharge (IRMAA). More than 20 million people qualified. Medicare Advantage members did not. There was nothing to apply for.
Who qualified
| Your situation | Got the $90? |
|---|---|
| Original Medicare Part B, paying your own premium | Yes |
| Enrolled in Medicare Advantage | No |
| State Medicaid pays your Part B premium | No |
| You pay IRMAA (higher-income surcharge) | No |
| You live outside the U.S. | No |
Last reviewed November 2, 2026 by Greg Wilson. Sources: Medicare.gov one-time premium rebate letter, Chase explainer (Oct 2026). Partner links may earn SeniorAffair a commission.
If you saw an unexpected $90 deposit in October, this is probably it. If you expected one and didn’t get it, here is how to check.
How it was paid
The payment came from the Medicare Improvement Fund. It went out the same way you get Social Security benefits: by direct deposit, usually labeled “Medicare Improvement Fund Payment,” or by a U.S. Treasury check to your mailing address on record. Medicare also mailed eligible people a letter about it.
Expected it but didn’t get it?
- Check the table above. Medicare Advantage members, people whose Part B premium is paid by Medicaid, and IRMAA payers were not included.
- Look at your bank statement for a deposit labeled “Medicare Improvement Fund Payment.”
- Sign in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov.
- Still missing? Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
It’s a one-time payment
This was not a permanent premium cut or a recurring benefit increase. Your 2027 Part B premium is set separately; see how Part B affects your 2027 Social Security raise.
Watch for scams
Payment news draws scammers. You did not need to call anyone or share your Medicare number to get this money. If someone calls, texts or emails offering to “release” a Medicare payment, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE. You can report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Not eligible? Use open enrollment
If you are in Medicare Advantage, open enrollment (through December 7) is your yearly chance to compare your plan with Original Medicare plus a Medigap and Part D plan.
Compare your Medicare options
A licensed agent from our partner can compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Part D options in your ZIP code at no cost to you.
Partner link: SeniorAffair may earn a commission. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Free: Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist. A printable two-page list of what to check before December 7, with space for your drugs and doctors. Get the checklist
Common questions
Did I need to apply for the $90?
No. Eligible people were paid automatically.
I’m in Medicare Advantage. Why didn’t I get it?
The payment was limited to people in Original Medicare Part B.
Will there be another $90 payment?
CMS described it as a one-time payment.
How do I report a scam?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE or report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Part of our Medicare Guide. Costs, enrollment deadlines, Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap, Part D and what Medicare covers, all in one place. See the full guide →
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