Trump Administration to Send $500 ACA Refunds to Nearly 1 Million Enrollees

Added a separate proposal for President Donald Trump to pay every adult American a $5,000 dividend if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress after the November midterm elections. The plan could cost an estimated $1.2 trillion to $1.3 trillion, with proposed funding sources including tariffs, a planned Trump Platinum Card for wealthy immigrants and possible congressional reconciliation; critics say these sources are insufficient, speculative or require legislative approval. Economists and some Republicans warn the payments could worsen inflation and increase the national debt, which exceeds $40 trillion. Separately, the administration says it will begin issuing $500 refunds in October to nearly 1 million ACA enrollees in the 30 states using HealthCare.gov, with payments expected before the midterm elections. The refunds would use about $500 million in surplus exchange user fees that officials say were collected through higher premiums during the Biden administration, rather than new taxpayer funds, and eligibility is reportedly limited to enrollees who paid full premiums without federal subsidies. The administration had considered using the money for expanded no-cost contraception coverage but abandoned that proposal after conservative opposition; both initiatives have drawn scrutiny as politically timed responses to rising ACA premiums and cost-of-living concerns.