- President Donald Trump has announced that his administration will issue one-time $90 payments to more than 20 million seniors to assist with Medicare Part B premiums.
- The White House confirmed the funds will come from the Medicare Improvement Fund, with eligible enrollees receiving payments early this month via direct deposit or cheque.
- Trump described the Medicare Improvement Fund as a slush fund previously used by Democrats to pay for special interest friends and drive up healthcare costs.
- The announcement comes just weeks ahead of the US midterm elections, with Republicans facing the potential loss of their congressional majority.
- Trump has also floated a separate $5,000 payment to every adult US citizen if Republicans maintain control of both the House and Senate.
IN FULL
Trump announces a new ‘slush fund’ to send checks to 20 million Americans