2026 Social Security COLA: Only $33 After Medicare Changes

Thank you for joining us for the latest Social Security update.
Today we are exploring why your 2026 cost of living adjustment might be smaller than expected and how rising Medicare premiums could shrink your actual raise.
This change will impact the money you receive each month and your overall budget.
Stay with us as we explain what these new numbers really mean for your finances and how you can plan ahead for 2026.
Social Security beneficiaries are projected to receive a 2.7% cost of living adjustment, which adds about $54 per month to the average retirement benefit beginning in January.
But the real impact will be less for most people because Medicare Part B premiums are also set to rise sharply.
According to the Medicare Board of Trustees, the standard part B premium will increase from $185 to roughly $26.50 per month, an 11.6% jump that will automatically be deducted from Social Security payments, leaving the typical retiree with only about $33 of net monthly gain after accounting for the higher health care cost.
This change affects not only retirees, but also those receiving Social Security disability insurance, who will see their average benefit rise from about $1,537 to $1,578, and Supplemental Security Income recipients whose federal payment standard will increase by a smaller margin since SSI is calculated differently and does not directly subtract Medicare premiums.
The official announcement of the 2026 COLA may be delayed if the government shutdown continues, but benefits and premium changes will still take effect on schedule.
So, it is important to consider both the gross and net figures when planning your budget for the coming year as these adjustments will influence how far your monthly income will stretch.
While the projected 2.7% Social Security increase for 2026 could add about $54 to your monthly benefit, rising Medicare Part B premiums may reduce your net gain to just $33.
To stay ahead, review your budget to account for higher health care costs and check your Social Security statement to confirm your updated payment.
For more information, visit socialsecurityalerts.news.
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