Trump sends $500 checks to nearly 1 million ACA enrollees before midterms

Nearly one million Affordable Care Act marketplace enrollees in 30 states began receiving one-time $500 checks in early October 2026. The Trump administration links the payments to its healthcare record ahead of the November 2026 midterms. Health costs rank alongside gas as voters' top worries. It is unclear if a temporary rebate will help long-term affordability.