Trump is sending $500 refund checks to nearly a million Americans. Here’s who gets them

The Trump administration has initiated the distribution of $500 refund checks to nearly one million Americans, with checks set to be mailed starting around October 1, 2026. These refunds are directed at individuals enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans in 30 states that utilize the federal exchange, HealthCare.gov. The administration asserts that these individuals were overcharged through user fees during the Biden administration, which allegedly led to higher premium costs.

Eligibility for the $500 checks is primarily for those ACA enrollees who did not receive federal premium tax credits or other financial assistance, and largely includes individuals earning above 400% of the federal poverty line. Some individuals earning between 100% and 400% of the poverty line who did not receive subsidies are also included. The refunds are being issued by the Treasury Department and are accompanied by a letter from President Trump.

This initiative, which follows an announcement by President Trump in early September, is taking place weeks before the upcoming midterm elections in November, a period where affordability concerns are prominent for many households.