Trump sends $500 Obamacare refunds to nearly 1 million Americans

The Trump administration is sending $500 refund checks to more than 950,000 Americans across 30 states, returning surplus fees collected through the Affordable Care Act's federal exchange. The Treasury Department payments target those who paid full premiums without federal assistance. The refunds stem from user fees paid by insurers to operate HealthCare.gov, which were passed to consumers via higher premiums. Recipients earn around 400% of the federal poverty line, roughly $64,000 annually for individuals. States with their own exchanges are excluded. The payments arrive five weeks before the November midterms, amid healthcare affordability concerns. They are separate from a promised $5,000 dividend. The move follows the expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies, which raised premiums and prompted insurer exits from multiple states.