Trump announces $500 refunds for nearly one million uninsured marketplace shoppers
The White House says the payments, to begin in October, will compensate people in 30 states who bought health coverage through the federal exchange without subsidies.
President Donald Trump said his administration will issue $500 checks to about one million Americans who purchased health insurance through the federal marketplace but did not receive income-based subsidies. The payments are slated to start in October and target consumers in 30 states who, according to a White House fact sheet, were "most exposed" to marketplace user fees.
The administration argues that fees collected under the current administration exceeded the amount needed to operate the exchange, creating a surplus that will fund the refunds. The fact sheet did not disclose the size of the surplus or any plans to adjust fees or premiums.
The refunds are separate from a previously announced $5,000 payment that would be provided if Republicans gain control of Congress after the November elections. Democrats have not yet responded to the new proposal, though they have defended the Affordable Care Act as a source of affordable coverage.
"These consumers were most exposed to marketplace user fees that were added to premiums," the White House statement read.
The initiative follows earlier attempts by Trump to repeal or replace the Affordable Care Act, but no detailed alternative has been presented. Medicaid enrollment and ACA marketplace participation have declined by roughly 8 million people since Trump took office, while broader reforms under the proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act remain pending.