Latest COLA Estimate vs. Medicare Part B Premiums: Net Gain or Loss?
Briefly

The article discusses the implications of rising Medicare Part B premiums on Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for seniors. Projections for a modest Social Security increase in 2026 raise concerns about whether it will be offset by Medicare premium hikes. With seniors often relying solely on Social Security for income, any increase in Medicare costs further erodes their purchasing power. Historical data shows that COLAs have not kept pace with inflation, leading to a notable decrease in the buying power of Social Security benefits since 2000.
Social Security benefits are supposed to keep up with inflation through COLAs, but historically, they have fallen short, resulting in a loss of purchasing power for beneficiaries.
The increase in Medicare Part B premiums directly diminishes the benefit raises from Social Security, leaving many seniors struggling to maintain their standard of living.
Read at 24/7 Wall St.
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