Medicare $90 Part B Premium Rebate
What to Tell Patients Who Call Your Front Desk
Summary of the Rule or Edit Change
CMS published a frequently asked questions fact sheet on October 3, 2026 for the Medicare Improvement Fund Premium Rebate. It describes a single $90 payment to about 20.8 million people in Original Medicare Part B. Medicare Advantage enrollees aren't included. The FAQ lists the conditions for eligibility: living in the United States, not receiving premium assistance from Medicaid, and not paying an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA). Send patients to the CMS FAQ for the exact rule.
Most people will be paid by direct deposit through the Social Security Administration, on or around October 8, 2026. People without direct deposit will get a paper check later in October. CMS says an email or letter about the rebate arrives in mid-October. Patients can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to check eligibility, and can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 from October 15 to track a payment.
The rebate has nothing to do with your claims. It doesn't change a patient's balance, a copay, a deductible or what Medicare pays you. CMS states that no action is needed from healthcare providers or beneficiaries.
Action Required for Billing Teams
- Give front-desk staff a short script. The rebate is a one-time $90 from Medicare, no sign-up is needed, and questions go to 1-800-MEDICARE or the CMS FAQ.
- Don't decide eligibility. Practices can't confirm who qualifies. Point patients to Medicare and the Social Security Administration.
- Keep it separate from patient balances. The rebate is a payment from the government to the patient, not a credit on your account and not a reason to adjust a statement.
- Watch for scams. Warn patients that Medicare won't need bank details from them to send a payment that comes automatically.
- Expect a call spike. Plan for more patient calls the week of October 8 and again in mid-October when the letters arrive.
- Log the questions. A short tally of what patients ask helps you update your scripts and your website FAQ.
Verifiable References
- CMS. Medicare Improvement Fund Premium Rebate Frequently Asked Questions (fact sheet, October 3, 2026). cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-improvement-fund-premium-rebate-frequently-asked-questions
- CMS. Newsroom. cms.gov/newsroom
Related Resources
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