The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has set the standard monthly Part B premium at $202.90 in 2026, an increase of $17.90, or just under 10 percent, from the 2025 premium of $185.00.
The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $202.90 a month for 2026, an increase of $17.90 from $185.00 in 2025.
Medicare Part B premiums will jump nearly 10% next year, the largest increase in four years and second-largest hike, in dollar terms, in the program's history. The standard monthly premium will be $202.90, an increase of $17.90 from this year, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Yes, Social Security recipients received a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025, but the bigger news is that they are getting a larger 2.8% COLA for 2026, announced in October 2025, which began with January 2026 payments, increasing average benefits by about $56 per month. The 2025 COLA was a smaller 2.5% increase, while the 2026 adjustment reflects moderating inflation, leading to higher payments starting in the new year.
$185 each month ($202.90 in 2026) (or higher depending on your income). The amount can change each year. You'll pay the premium each month, even if you don't get any Part B-covered services.
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.
Seniors aged 65 to 74 receive the standard OAS amount, while those aged 75 and older receive a permanently higher payment. The January 2026 increase applies to both groups, but the dollar impact will differ because the base amounts are different.
While Medicare beneficiaries are all facing the $17.90 premium increase in 2026, it's important to note that not all retirees will pay exactly $202.90 per month next year. That's because some high earners pay higher Medicare premiums due to the Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.
Yes, the Medicare Part D "donut hole" (coverage gap) is officially eliminated as of January 1, 2025, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, simplifying coverage into three phases: deductible, initial coverage, and catastrophic, with a new $2,000 out-of-pocket spending cap that eliminates the gap where higher costs used to occur.
Yes, Social Security recipients received a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025, but the bigger news is that they are getting a larger 2.8% COLA for 2026, announced in October 2025, which began with January 2026 payments, increasing average benefits by about $56 per month. The 2025 COLA was a smaller 2.5% increase, while the 2026 adjustment reflects moderating inflation, leading to higher payments starting in the new year.
Qualification for the $1,400 stimulus check (the third Economic Impact Payment) in 2021 depended on your 2021 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and filing status, with full amounts for single filers earning up to $75,000 (phasing out at $80,000) and joint filers up to $150,000 (phasing out at $160,000), plus $1,400 per dependent; you needed a valid Social Security Number and had to claim it as the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return if you missed the payment, with deadlines typically in April 2025.
Qualifying for the third stimulus check
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you will automatically qualify for the third stimulus check which will be in the amount $1400.
The dollar amount increase to checks will vary depending on a person's benefit amount, but the average Social Security Retirement benefit, $2,008.31 in July 2025, will grow by about $56.
The bipartisan economic stimulus package represents a good effort to get money back to families and seniors as well. Millions of seniors, who do not normally have to file taxes, are eligible to receive a stimulus check.
Who Will Receive the $1,100 Centrelink Bonus. The bonus will be automatically issued to eligible Australians receiving approved Centrelink payments. Those expected to qualify include: Age Pension recipients.
If Social Security isn't enough, you should supplement your income through other savings (401k, IRAs, brokerage accounts), explore government aid like SSI, SNAP, and Medicaid, consider working part-time, use programs like NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp to find assistance, potentially delay claiming benefits for a higher monthly payout, or look into annuities for guaranteed income.
The 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2026. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million SSI recipients will begin on December 31, 2025. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits.)
If you're shopping for a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you may come across a Part B giveback — a benefit that puts money back in your pocket by paying a portion or all of your monthly Part B premium, up to $185 per month in 2025. This can give you more flexibility in your monthly budget.
Your CalPERS health coverage will automatically be canceled the first day of the month after you turn 65. Review Cancellation of CalPERS Health Coverage for information on reinstating your health coverage.