President Donald Trump has promised 90 dollar checks to 20 million American seniors. He made the promise in a Truth Social post on October 2. Trump said the money would come from the Medicare Improvement Fund. The checks are meant to offset Medicare Part B premiums. Trump did not explain how he has the authority to send the payments. The White House has not released details of the plan. Trump also repeated an earlier promise of 5,000 dollar checks to Americans. That promise has also not been acted on. The announcements come ahead of the midterm elections. Critics say the president cannot send such payments without Congress. Supporters say the payments would ease healthcare costs for seniors. Medicare Part B premiums are a major cost for older Americans. It is unclear if or when the checks would be sent. The White House has not released details of the plan. The announcements come ahead of the midterm elections. Critics say the president cannot send payments without Congress. Supporters say the checks would ease healthcare costs for seniors.