The US federal government has issued $90 deposits to 20 million Original Medicare Part B enrollees, shortly before the 2026 midterm elections ^[1]. Approximately 20 million enrollees qualify for the payment. Medicare Advantage plan enrollees are not eligible, even when they pay Medicare Part B premiums ^[2][6]. Juliette Cubanski, director of KFF's Program on Medicare Policy, stated the payment is automatic. Enrollees do not need to call or sign up to receive funds ^[3]. Cubanski also noted the $90 payment will likely not offset rising healthcare costs. KFF reports the standard annual Part B premium is currently $2,435, and is expected to increase by $79 for 2027 ^[4][7]. The White House has stated Donald Trump is the first president to use the Medicare Improvement Fund for direct senior citizen payments ^[5]. Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, described the timing of the payment ahead of an election as shameful politicization of Medicare ^[8].