About 20.8 million people enrolled in Original Medicare Part B are expected to receive a one-time $90 rebate in October, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The payment is automatic for eligible beneficiaries, so CMS says there is no application to complete.
Who is eligible
The rebate is for people enrolled in Original Medicare Part B who live in the United States. CMS says recipients also must not receive Medicaid assistance with their Medicare premium and must not pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount, often called IRMAA. People enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans are not eligible for this payment.
Those rules matter because Medicare Advantage enrollees may still pay a Part B premium, but the new payment is being made through the Medicare Improvement Fund for qualifying Original Medicare beneficiaries. The White House said $2 billion from that fund will support the rebates.
When the money should arrive
CMS expects most electronic payments to be deposited on or around Thursday, October 8. Paper checks will be mailed later in October, so delivery dates will vary. The agency advises people to wait until after October 15 before contacting Medicare or Social Security about a missing payment.
The rebate is separate from the regular Social Security payment. People should be cautious about unsolicited calls or messages asking for bank details, Medicare numbers or a fee to release the money. CMS says the payment is automatic.
What to do if no payment arrives
After October 15, beneficiaries can call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact the Social Security Administration if they believe they meet the eligibility rules but have not received the rebate. Before calling, it may help to confirm whether coverage is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage and whether Medicaid pays any portion of the Part B premium.
The payment does not change a beneficiary’s plan or provider network. People comparing coverage for the next plan year can review AskNovus’ guide to Medicare Advantage provider-network changes and the latest personal-finance coverage.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services FAQ, October 3, 2026.
- White House fact sheet, October 2, 2026.
- Associated Press, October 3, 2026.
Featured image: CDC via Unsplash.