Medicare premium hike will absorb part of Social Security COLA

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(NewsNation) — Two steps forward, one step back. That might best describe the pending cost-of-living adjustment in Social Security benefits, coupled with a simultaneous increase in the premiums seniors pay for Medicare Part B insurance.

The 2.8% bump in Social Security income takes effect in January 2026 and is expected to bring an additional $56 per month to the average recipient.

That good news, however, is tempered by the rise in Medicare B premiums. That is the part of the medical program for older Americans that covers outpatient care, preventive services and medical equipment.

The standard Part B premium is slated to rise $17.90, nearly 10%, to $202.90 per month, beginning in 2026. It’s considered the second-highest Part B premium increase in dollars, CNBC reported.

There’s more. The annual deductible for Medicare Part B beneficiaries will increase $26 to $283 in 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced. Beneficiaries must pay the deductible for Part B expenses before Medicare covers the costs.

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