Part B Medicare premiums are set to go up 9.7% in 2026, and it could have an affect on Social Security payments

Core Insights - The increase in Part B Medicare premiums for 2026 is significant, rising from $185 to $202.90 per month, which represents a 9.7% increase [1] - This increase in premiums will negatively impact Social Security benefits, as Part B premiums are automatically deducted from these payments, leading to a smaller benefit increase than expected for many older Americans [2] - The 2026 increase is the second-highest on record, highlighting ongoing cost pressures for retirees [3] Premium and Deductible Changes - The monthly Part B premium will exceed $200 for the first time, and it has increased by 66% over the past decade [4] - The annual deductible for Part B will rise from $257 to $283, marking a 10% increase from 2025, and has surged by 70.5% over the last ten years [4] Broader Healthcare Cost Trends - The rising costs of Part B premiums are part of a larger trend of increasing healthcare expenses in the U.S., with national health expenditures rising by 8.2% in 2024 [5] - Medicare Advantage plans, which bundle Part A and Part B coverage and offer additional benefits, are becoming more popular, but they also incur higher costs for Medicare, with an estimated additional expenditure of $80 billion annually compared to original Medicare [6]