Short answer: Medicare costs are expected to go up in 2026, with the standard Part B monthly premium projected to increase by about $21.50 to $206.50, according to the Medicare Trustees. The exact premium and related costs will be finalized in the fall of 2025, and other costs (like inpatient copays, deductibles, and Part D premiums) may also adjust in 2026. Details and context
- Part B premium: The Trustees project the standard Part B premium to rise to $206.50 per month in 2026, up from $185.00 in 2025. This is an approximate projection and the final amount will be confirmed later in 2025.
- Social Security COLA interaction: The 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is forecast to be around 2.8% on average, which can offset some or all of the Part B premium increase for many beneficiaries, since Part B premiums are typically deducted from Social Security benefits. The net effect varies by individual benefit amounts.
- Other Medicare costs: In addition to the Part B premium, other 2026 costs may change, including inpatient day copays and deductibles, and Part D premiums might rise for some plans. Various outlets have noted potential increases across multiple cost components in 2026.
- Plan-specific variations: Some enrollees may see larger or smaller increases depending on factors such as income tier (which affects Part B surcharges if applicable) and chosen coverage (e.g., specific Part C or Part D plan features). Final numbers will come from CMS/Medicare releases in fall 2025.
What to watch for
- Final 2026 Part B premium announcement: Typically released by CMS/Medicare in the fall of the preceding year; plan accordingly for budgeting.
- COLA updates: Social Security beneficiaries should receive notices detailing their exact COLA and how it affects net monthly benefits.
- Plan selections: If enrolled in a Part D plan, premiums and coverage could change for 2026, so review annual notices and compare plans during open enrollment.
If you’d like, I can pull the latest finalized numbers once CMS releases them or help you estimate your 2026 costs based on your current plan and anticipated COLA.
