Oct 04, Kathmandu - U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a one-time $90 payment for more than 20 million people enrolled in Medicare, aiming to ease the burden of their monthly health insurance premiums.

Trump announced the assistance on social media Friday night, saying it would be funded through a Medicare improvement fund. According to him, Congress allocated $2 billion to the fund to improve Medicare services.

The White House website says most eligible seniors should receive the money directly in their bank accounts in early October.

Opponents have criticized the announcement, alleging it is intended to influence voters ahead of November’s midterm elections. Trump has made several financial assistance announcements in recent weeks. His administration has also said it will refund excessive charges to people who purchased health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Nearly one million Americans are expected to receive refunds of about $500.

The announcements come as Trump faces criticism over rising living costs, including sharp increases in fuel prices linked to the Israel–Iran war. Polls also show his approval rating remains low.

Trump previously said that if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress in the midterms, all adult Americans would receive $5,000 checks. Economists, analysts and some Republican lawmakers have questioned whether the proposal could influence the election.

Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Democratic candidates are expected to mount a strong challenge in the midterm elections.