Social Security

A. Purpose
This Emergency Message informs technicians that the one-time Medicare Improvement Fund Medicare Part B Premium rebate is not considered income for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) purposes.

B. Background
On October 2, 2026, the White House announced that more than 20 million Medicare beneficiaries will receive a $90 Medicare Part B rebate to offset October Medicare premium costs. The one-time rebate was issued in October 2026 by direct deposit or paper check, depending upon how the recipient receives Social Security benefit payments.

C. Eligibility

Rebates were issued to Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Part B who are not:

· Paying a Part B Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA);

· Dual-eligible beneficiaries enrolled in a State that participates in buy-in and pays the beneficiary’s Part B premium;

· Living outside the United States or its territories;

· Enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA);

· Listed as age 110 or older with no date of death; or

· Deceased.

Do not count the one-time Medicare Improvement Fund Medicare Part B Premium rebate as income. The payment is not counted since it is considered cash received from a governmental medical services program according to SI 00815.050 - Medical and Social Services, Related Cash, and In-Kind Items.

E. Processing Requirements

When a recipient reports receiving a Medicare Part B Premium rebate, do not count the rebate as income. Accept the recipient’s allegation that the funds were received. The $90 Medicare rebate payments are from CMS. Therefore, although we issued the payments, the MBR payment amount was not automatically adjusted, and the Title II payment amount was not updated on the SSR through the MBR/SSR interface. No technician action is required.

While the cash payment is not considered income, it must be evaluated as a resource if retained for one calendar month following the month of receipt.

For program and technical questions, please consult your management. If further assistance is required, follow official guidance and escalate your inquiry through vHelp as directed.

References

· SI 00815.050 Medical and Social Services, Related Cash, and In-Kind Items

· SI 01120.110 Certain Cash to Purchase Medical or Social Services