PhRMA sues Trump administration over GLOBE drug pricing demo program

President Donald Trump's administration plans to provide $90 one-time payments to over 20 million Medicare enrollees, costing around $2 billion. However, less than one-third of all Medicare recipients will be eligible for these payments, which will be sent out this week. Around 35 million Medicare Advantage enrollees, as well as millions of other low-income individuals and people with disabilities, will not receive the payments.

The election-year promise aims to address the rising cost of living and healthcare expenses among voters. The payments will cover expenses such as doctor visits, ambulance services, and lab tests. The money will come from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which was initially intended for program improvements but has since expanded.

Critics view the payments as a last-minute ploy to sway voters rather than tackle underlying healthcare issues.