Why you just got a $90 Social Security check — and why 40 million seniors didn’t

October 6, 2026 / 11:08 AM EDT / CBS News

Millions of seniors are receiving $90 deposits from the Social Security Administration this week, prompting some to question the source of the money. The checks are tied to the Trump administration's announcement that it would send checks to about 20 million Medicare enrollees to lower healthcare costs.

President Trump on Friday announced that the administration would send the money to some participants in the healthcare plan's Part B, which pays for doctor visits, outpatient care and preventive screenings. About one-third of Medicare Part B's 62.9 million enrollees are eligible, with about 40 million not qualifying for the payments.

The payments are funded by the Medicare Improvement Fund, which was set up by Congress to improve and support the original Medicare fee-for-service program. Experts say the $90, while helpful, won't fully offset higher costs facing Medicare recipients.

Premiums for Part B rose by more than $200 annually in 2026 and are projected to increase by nearly $80 in 2027, according to the Medicare trustees' most recent annual report.

Americans of all ages are grappling with rising healthcare costs, which they cite as a top financial concern, according to polling from nonprofit…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/moneywatch/