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CMS Sending $90 Medicare Part B Rebate in October 2026
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CMS is sending a one-time $90 rebate to about 20.8 million Original Medicare Part B enrollees, with direct deposits landing around October 8. If you're on Medicare Advantage, on Medicaid premium assistance, or paying an IRMAA surcharge, you're out. The check is real money, but it's a one-time payment on a premium that has climbed steadily for years, so don't let $90 reset your expectations about Part B costs going forward.
Full analysis
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is issuing a one-time $90 "Medicare Improvement Fund Premium Rebate" to certain Original Medicare Part B enrollees, with most payments arriving via direct deposit on or around October 8, 2026. An accompanying letter from the President is expected in mid-October; those without direct deposit will receive a paper check later that month from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Eligibility is limited to the 20.8 million Americans enrolled in Original Medicare Part B who live in the United States, are not receiving premium assistance through Medicaid, and do not pay an IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount — an extra premium charged to higher-income beneficiaries). People enrolled in Medicare Advantage rather than Original Medicare are not eligible. Beneficiaries can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to check eligibility, or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 starting October 15, 2026 to check payment status.
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