Rising Medicare Premiums Could Severely Impact 2026 Social Security Checks
Next year, millions of Americans receiving monthly Social Security checks will see a significant dent in their benefits due to the impending Medicare premium hike. The increase is expected to push the Part B premium, which covers doctor visits and other outpatient services, above $200 for the first time, leaving seniors with limited room to absorb inflation.
The largest increase in seven years is attributed to rising healthcare costs, including an uptick in underlying health care expenses. This has led to a significant jump in Medicare's costs, with some estimates suggesting that health care premiums will rise by 10% next year. The Part B deductible will also see a substantial increase, jumping to $283 from the current $257.
Experts warn that this hike could have severe consequences for seniors relying on Social Security as their primary source of income. "So many rely on [Social Security] for all or most of their income," said Max Richtman, president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM). "This is gonna hurt."
According to NCPSSM's analysis, the Medicare premium increase will consume a substantial portion of next year's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), effectively lowering the rate to 1.9% – far below the current inflation rate of 3%. People with lower monthly benefits may even see an effective COLA of zero.
This trend is not limited to seniors; working adults also face higher health care premiums in 2026. Approximately 22 million Americans who receive their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces will be hit with steep rate hikes if Congress fails to extend premium tax credits, which help lower the cost for most people on ACA plans.
The Medicare premium increase is a symptom of a larger issue: rising healthcare costs that are affecting Americans across all age groups. In 2023, Americans spent an average of $1,514 on out-of-pocket health care costs, a 9% increase from 2020 on an inflation-adjusted basis, according to KFF.
As the government shutdown remains a point of contention, it's essential to address the concerns of those affected by rising healthcare costs. The consequences of inaction could be severe, leaving millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet.
Next year, millions of Americans receiving monthly Social Security checks will see a significant dent in their benefits due to the impending Medicare premium hike. The increase is expected to push the Part B premium, which covers doctor visits and other outpatient services, above $200 for the first time, leaving seniors with limited room to absorb inflation.
The largest increase in seven years is attributed to rising healthcare costs, including an uptick in underlying health care expenses. This has led to a significant jump in Medicare's costs, with some estimates suggesting that health care premiums will rise by 10% next year. The Part B deductible will also see a substantial increase, jumping to $283 from the current $257.
Experts warn that this hike could have severe consequences for seniors relying on Social Security as their primary source of income. "So many rely on [Social Security] for all or most of their income," said Max Richtman, president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM). "This is gonna hurt."
According to NCPSSM's analysis, the Medicare premium increase will consume a substantial portion of next year's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), effectively lowering the rate to 1.9% – far below the current inflation rate of 3%. People with lower monthly benefits may even see an effective COLA of zero.
This trend is not limited to seniors; working adults also face higher health care premiums in 2026. Approximately 22 million Americans who receive their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces will be hit with steep rate hikes if Congress fails to extend premium tax credits, which help lower the cost for most people on ACA plans.
The Medicare premium increase is a symptom of a larger issue: rising healthcare costs that are affecting Americans across all age groups. In 2023, Americans spent an average of $1,514 on out-of-pocket health care costs, a 9% increase from 2020 on an inflation-adjusted basis, according to KFF.
As the government shutdown remains a point of contention, it's essential to address the concerns of those affected by rising healthcare costs. The consequences of inaction could be severe, leaving millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet.
. $200 as a premium is crazy high, especially when you're already living on a fixed income. It's like they're gonna have to choose between paying their meds or putting food on the table 
. And it's not just them, working adults who are struggling to afford healthcare too 
. I don't think we're prepared for this kind of rise in healthcare costs. We need some serious changes ASAP 
.
It's gonna hit seniors super hard and they'll have limited room to absorb inflation. I think the gov't needs to step in ASAP and address this issue 'cause it's not just about seniors, working adults are gonna feel it too. 
this is just not right man... Medicare premiums going up and it's gonna hurt so many people who are already living on a tight budget 
seniors relying on social security for their income are gonna struggle even more 
it's like the cost of healthcare is just getting out of control... I feel bad for those ppl 
. Like, what's the point of living if we can't afford basic healthcare? It's not like they're asking for luxury vacations or anything 
. They just want to be able to see a doc without breaking the bank 
. We need some real solutions here, stat 
.
what do u think is behind these rising healthcare costs tho? 
can't believe they're gonna hit seniors with even more debt... 200 bucks for meds is already too much. and now it's like they're taking away their social security too... what's the point of having a social safety net if you're just gonna take it away? 
. I remember when healthcare costs were rising and people were worried about losing their jobs due to unpaid medical bills... now it's seniors who are gonna suffer 
. We need to do something about this ASAP 
this is why we need better solutions than just tweaking numbers... 
maybe it's time for Congress to take a closer look at how they're funding healthcare and finding ways to reduce costs without sacrificing benefits for seniors like my mom. 
like what's next? raise taxes on us and then deduct them from our benefits too 
. and max richtman is right, social security is like their primary source of income so this is gonna hurt a lot of people 
.
. And it's not just the seniors, working adults are also feeling the pinch