The checks are in the mail. The Trump administration began sending $500 payments to nearly one million Americans this week, in what the White House calls a refund for excessive fees charged through the Affordable Care Act's federal exchange.
More than 950,000 people across 30 states that use HealthCare.gov are eligible. The recipients: people who bought insurance through the federal marketplace without premium assistance and paid full price. The administration blames the Biden White House for overcharging "user fees" that insurers passed on to consumers.
Each envelope carries a personal letter from the president. "That money belongs to hard-working Americans, not the Government, and now, I am returning it to you!" Trump wrote.
The rollout, announced September 10, lands five weeks before the November 3 midterms — and the map is conspicuous. A Reuters analysis found 71 percent of the money, about $339 million, flows to 13 states holding the cycle's most competitive Senate and governor races. Democrats call it a blatant election ploy; the White House calls it returning stolen money.
No application is needed. The Treasury identified recipients automatically, and officials warn against scammers asking for bank details or "processing fees" to unlock a payment.
What to watch next: whether the checks move any midterm numbers — and whether Democrats answer with their own healthcare offensive.