From ConsumerAffairs.com — By Mark Huffman —
Medicare Part B premiums are expected to rise again in 2026 and that’s bad news for millions of seniors. It would likely further strain household budgets already under pressure from rising costs of living.
Senior advocates warn that while Social Security beneficiaries will get a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in January, the benefit increase may be largely wiped out by higher healthcare costs.
Medicare Part B pays for doctor visits, other outpatient services and preventive care. It’s funded through a combination of federal dollars and monthly premiums. Several factors are expected to push premiums upward in 2026:
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Medical inflation: Physician services, outpatient procedures, and diagnostic testing costs continue to rise faster than general inflation.
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Prescription drug coverage expansion: Provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, including negotiated drug price caps and broader coverage, are increasing program expenditures in the short term.
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Demographic pressures: An aging population means more enrollees using services, which raises total program costs.
These factors are placing pressure on Medicare’s budget, with Medicare recipients bearing part of the burden through higher monthly premiums.
It could affect Social Security benefits
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