The U.S. Treasury began sending one-time $500 refund payments this week to more than 950,000 Affordable Care Act enrollees in 30 states, according to a Trump administration official. The move came roughly three weeks after President Trump announced the program on Sept. 10. The funds trace back to user fees paid by insurers on HealthCare.gov, which were ultimately passed along to consumers through premiums. Trump accuses the Biden administration of setting those fees higher than necessary and accumulating a surplus. Eligibility required having purchased 2026 coverage through HealthCare.gov without receiving a premium tax credit, meaning paying full price. Roughly 19.2 million people are enrolled in ACA plans, but fewer than one in 20 qualifies.
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