"In 2026, retirees who collect Social Security got an increase in their monthly benefits. Specifically, the cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for 2026 totaled 2.8%. With the average Social Security benefit coming in at around $2,000 per month, this adds up to a benefits increase of about $56 per month."
"For many retirees who are covered by Medicare and who collect Social Security benefits, premiums come directly out of their Social Security payments. This means that if there's a big increase in Medicare premiums, the extra money going to Medicare each month can reduce, or even eliminate, the additional funds the COLA provides."
"In 2026, for example, the annual Medicare premium for Part B (outpatient) coverage rose from $185 to $202.90. That's a $17.90 increase and close to a 10% price surge year-over-year. With the typical senior collecting around a $56 benefits increase based on a $2,000 average benefit, it doesn't take complicated math to know that $17.90 in added Medicare costs takes up about 1/3 of that amount."
"The good news is, even if the Part B premium spike had been higher, hold harmless provisions prevent premium increases from exceeding the amount of the COLA. So you could lose your entire raise if there's a big premium increase tha"
In 2026, Social Security benefits increased through a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment, adding about $56 per month for an average benefit near $2,000. The increase helps seniors maintain purchasing power as inflation raises prices. Some retirees receive little or none of the extra money because Medicare premiums are deducted directly from Social Security checks. Medicare Part B premiums rose from $185 to $202.90 annually, an increase of $17.90, which can consume roughly one-third of the typical COLA increase. Hold harmless rules can limit premium increases so they do not exceed the COLA amount, but not all retirees are protected equally.
Read at 24/7 Wall St.
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