Trump promises to send $500 to nearly 1 million Americans for Obamacare 'overcharges'

September 10, 2026

President Donald Trump has announced plans to distribute $500 refunds to approximately one million Americans who purchase health insurance through the federal Affordable Care Act marketplace without receiving subsidies. The administration claims these payments will reimburse consumers for excessive user fees charged to insurance premiums during the Biden presidency, alleging that collected fees created a surplus beyond what was necessary to operate the exchange. The refunds, scheduled to begin in October, will reach residents across 30 states who paid full-price premiums without income-based assistance.

Who is affected

Nearly one million Americans in 30 states who purchase health insurance through the federal marketplace
Consumers who do not receive financial subsidies and pay full premium costs
People in states including Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin
The approximately 8 million people whose Medicaid and Affordable Care Act marketplace enrollment has fallen since Trump returned to office

What action is being taken

The Trump administration is sending $500 refunds starting in October
Checks will be mailed directly to eligible households
Trump has sought to change the Affordable Care Act in his second term

Why it matters

This action represents Trump's most direct intervention in the Affordable Care Act since returning to office, demonstrating his continued effort to alter a healthcare law he previously attempted to repeal. The refunds affect approximately one million Americans who bear the full cost of their health insurance without subsidies, a group the administration identifies as "most exposed" to marketplace fees. The initiative also has political significance as it provides direct financial benefits to voters ahead of congressional elections, while reinforcing Trump's longstanding opposition to Obamacare.

What's next

Refunds will be sent out starting in October
Trump has pledged an additional $5,000 payment to Americans if Republicans win control of Congress in November's elections
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act's largest coverage-related changes are expected to take several years to be fully implemented

Read full article from source: BBC