Yes, Medigap (Medicare Supplement) premiums are generally expected to increase in 2026, following significant hikes in base Medicare costs (Part B going up to $202.90) and driven by rising healthcare costs and utilization, though exact amounts vary by state, insurer, and plan, so seniors should compare options carefully to find the best value.
Yes, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan premiums are very likely to increase in 2026, following significant increases in core Medicare Part B costs and general healthcare inflation, though Medigap plans are sold by private insurers, not CMS, so specifics vary, but rising underlying costs (like the nearly 10% Part B jump) and the need for insurers to cover more expensive care drive these increases, making comparison shopping crucial.
Medicare premiums and deductibles are increasing for 2026, with the standard Part B monthly premium rising to $202.90 (up $17.90) and the Part B deductible increasing to $283 (up $26), driven by rising healthcare costs, while Part A hospital deductibles also go up to $1,736. These changes, announced by CMS, will mean higher out-of-pocket costs for many beneficiaries, impacting those on fixed incomes, with Part D drug costs also facing caps.
The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $185.00 for 2025, an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2024. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $257 in 2025, an increase of $17 from the annual deductible of $240 in 2024.
Paying for Medigap
Medicare doesn't pay the premiums for your Medigap policy. Premium amounts typically increase each year.
For the average retired worker, the 2.8 percent COLA is expected to increase their monthly benefit by about $56. This will raise the average payment from approximately $2,008 in 2025 to about $2,064 in 2026. Social Security retirement beneficiaries will see this increase reflected in their January 2026 payments.
Are Medicare Supplement Plans Going Away in 2025? Let's answer this clearly: No, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are not being eliminated in 2025. If you have a medicare supplement plan 2025, you can keep your plan, and new enrollees can still apply.
In 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is ending a program called the Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) model. This program helped health plans give extra non-medical benefits, like credits for healthy food and utilities.
Medicare beneficiaries with Extra Help (which one gets automatically with Medicaid and/or a Medicare Savings Program) can get a “benchmark” Part D plan for $0 premium. The “benchmark” amount in 2026 is $58.82. Those with Extra Help have no deductible and lower copays.
Based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), OAS benefits increased by 0.3% for the January to March 2026 quarter, for an increase of 2.0% over the past year, from January 2025 to January 2026.
The extra $144 added to Social Security usually comes from the Medicare Part B Giveback benefit, offered by some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which pays back some or all your Part B premium, showing up as extra money in your check if it's deducted from your Social Security. To qualify, you need Original Medicare (Parts A & B), pay your own Part B premium, live in a plan's service area, and enroll in a specific Medicare Advantage plan that offers this "rebate," with the amount varying by plan and location.
The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $202.90 for 2026, an increase of $17.90 from $185.00 in 2025. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $283 in 2026, an increase of $26 from the annual deductible of $257 in 2025.
Yes, senior citizens will pay more for Medicare in 2026, primarily due to a nearly 10% jump in the standard Part B premium to $202.90/month and higher deductibles, affecting most enrollees and consuming a significant portion of the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). While Medicare Advantage (Part C) premiums are decreasing on average, out-of-pocket costs and some supplemental benefits are rising, and Part D drug plan maximums are increasing, leading to higher overall expenses for many.
There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information for 2026
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 75 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2026.
Canadians will receive their full pension even if they're under 70 and still working; contributing to the CPP post-retirement benefit can increase their pension. The maximum monthly CPP payment you can receive at age 65 has increased from $1,433 to $1,507.65 starting January 2026.
Best Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies in 2026
Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 see increased Part D drug caps, new behavioral health cost-sharing rules, potential reductions in some extra benefits (like OTC/transport), rising out-of-pocket limits (to $9,250), automatic renewal for some prescription payment plans, and a new pilot for prior authorizations on certain services in specific states. Some members (around 2 million) might lose their plans entirely, while most will see tweaks in costs, benefits, and rules, requiring review of their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).