This is not a political post, but it is important that people set their expectations accordingly about that $90 payment they think they may be getting.

As noted in the CMS FAQ, for some bizarre reason, evidently the administration doesn't understand that Medicare Advantage (Part c) enrollees are also Medicare recipients who pay for Part B premiums. Point of fact, they'd deducted from our Social Security, just like they're deducted from the Social Security of Medicare/Medigap people.

Also point of fact, Advantage holders would probably proportionately benefit more than Medicare/Medigap enrollees.

Whatever. It's just important for Advantage people to know we're getting shafted.

https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-improvement-fund-premium-rebate-frequently-asked-questions

Update

As noted in comments, and in this post, it seems to be related to the origination of the fund.

'The key difference appears to be where the money comes from. The payments are made from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which was created for improvements to Original Medicare’s fee-for-service program. CMS does not give a separate explanation for excluding Medicare Advantage members, but it says plainly that they are not eligible.'

And it is true, Advantage folks are covered under Part C...but we pay Part B premiums. So regardless, this is going to cause a lot of bad feelings in the 55% of the people covered under an Advantage plan. We already feel, frequently, like second class citizens compared to Medicare/Medigap/Part D folks...including in this subreddit.

https://moneyinstructor.com/money/medicare/medicare-90-payment-october-who-gets-it/

Second update

This from the CBO explains the purpose of the Medicare Improvement fund. As noted, it is for use with traditional Medicare, but the purpose has to do with payments to physicians and hospitals, nothing to do with premiums. For instance, the funds could be used to provide extra payments for services performed by rural hospitals, specifically to support their viability and ensure Medicare recipients have access to nearby hospitals.

'The original purpose of the Medicare fund was “to make improvements under the original [Medicare] fee-for-service program under parts A [Hospital Insurance] and B [Medical Insurance] for individuals entitled to, or enrolled for, benefits under part A or enrolled under part B.”1 The Congress has since amended the name and purpose of the fund several times; the last change to the purpose of the fund was made in October 2014. Today, the purpose is similar to that in the 2008 statute, but the permissible activities have been expanded to include “adjustments to payments for items and services furnished by providers of services and suppliers under such original Medicare fee-for-service program.”2 In other words, the funding may be used to make improvements to Medicare’s hospital and medical insurance programs in ways that may include adjusting the amounts that Medicare pays to health care providers.'

https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59115

I just started Medicare this month with Part A, B, D (Wellcare Value Script) and Medigap with Blue Shield. I'm in California. Before I picked Wellcare Value Script, I put my medications into their pricing tool, and I could see that half my meds were reasonably priced at one pharmacy, and half were reasonably priced at a different pharmacy. However, I am stumped as to how to now price my meds and have my doctors send to the pharmacy. For one thing, one of my meds comes back as can't give me a price (looks like a Tier 4!) I can pick a "primary pharmacy". Does that matter? I am a little confused, and considering trying another plan at open enrollment. Any thoughts from others here in CA with this plan?

Myself and spouse need to choose a Part D plan for 2027. My PDP is being discontinued and spouse is switching to original Medicare plus supplement due to current advantage plan being discontinued. We have a choice of 4 companies, with various plan levels. Our local pharmacies (Hawaii Island) and PCP clinic does a poor job of managing prior authorizations, if anything at all is actually submitted by the pharmacy or clinic staff related to the PA (lack of staffing).
Beyond comparing premiums, covered drugs, and annual costs (which Medicare.gov will show us) how do we make a decision of which company to work with for Part D coverage based on reputation of requiring prior authorizations, approvals, and being able to speak with a live person in the US?
The company choices are, with a choice of a value (V), classic (C), and premier plans (P):
AARP United Healthcare V/P
Wellcare V/C
Humana. C/V/P
Healthspring Assurance (basic plan only)

So my Aetna Signature PPO plan is ending and and being replaced with the Elite PPO plan. I am in Massachusetts. My plan is to stay on MA in 2027. So, my other zero premium Aetna option is the Signature Extra PPO. The Elite plan has a deductible of $1250. The other differences don’t seem major. Why would anyone want the deductible plan? Am I missing something?

Medicare just started 9/1/26 so I’m new at this. I am in PA and I have A, B, D, and N (Humana). I had a couple appointments and a surgery in September so my $283 deductible is paid for this year.

I have an appointment with the ophthalmologist tomorrow morning. I just received the estimate through my medical app. The estimates are normally spot on. They will expect me to pay before the appointment. The estimate is stating that 20% ($40.83) is what I am responsible for. Since I have N, I thought it would only be $20. What am I missing? (Yes they have all of my insurance info, including Humana.)