Posted By RichC on October 31, 2025
If you’re a senior relying on Social Security to make ends meet, the latest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcement might feel more like a tease than a relief. Last Friday, the Social Security Administration revealed a 2.8% boost for 2026 benefits, adding an average of $56 per month to retirement checks—bringing the typical payout to $2,071. Sounds promising on paper, right? But as Barron‘s personal finance journalist Elizabeth O’Brien points out in her recent analysis, this raise is quickly eroded by rising Medicare Part B premiums, which are deducted directly from most beneficiaries’ checks. And when you zoom out to the last couple of years, the pattern is clear: Medicare costs are climbing faster than Social Security adjustments, leaving many seniors with less real purchasing power than before.
In this post, we’ll break down the numbers behind the 2026 announcement, compare it to recent trends, and explain why this “increase” might leave you feeling shortchanged. We’ll also share practical tips to soften the blow, straight from O’Brien’s insights.
The 2026 COLA Breakdown: A Raise That’s Already Half-Eaten
The 2.8% COLA is a modest uptick from last year’s 2.5% adjustment, but it’s no match for the inflation many seniors have weathered since the post-pandemic spike. For the average retired worker, that translates to about $56 more per month starting in January 2026. However, if you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B (which covers doctor visits and outpatient care), your Social Security check will automatically deduct the premium—projected to jump to $206.50 monthly, up $21.50 from 2025’s $185.
Do the math: Your gross COLA gain of $56 minus the extra $21.50 in premiums leaves a net increase of just $34.50 per month. That’s about the cost of a couple of grocery runs or a utility bill—hardly the buffer needed against rising food, housing, and healthcare costs. And for higher-income seniors, it’s even worse: The income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) surcharges for Parts B and D will tack on even more, based on your 2024 tax return.
O’Brien nails it: The COLA is meant to preserve purchasing power, but it “invariably falls short.” This isn’t a one-off gripe—it’s a recurring theme that’s frustrated beneficiaries for years.
A Deeper Look: How Medicare Premiums Have Outpaced COLAs in Recent Years
To understand the growing discontent, let’s look back at the last three years. While Social Security COLAs have averaged around 4.8% since 2023 (buoyed by that massive 8.7% in 2023), Medicare Part B premiums have risen by an average of 8.1% annually—often double or triple the COLA rate. The result? Net gains that shrink with each passing year, compounding the squeeze on fixed incomes.
Here’s a quick comparison table based on average retired worker benefits and standard Part B premiums:
|
Year
|
COLA percent %
|
Avg Mo
Benefit (After
COLA)
|
COLA
Increase (Mon)
|
Part B Premium
|
Premium
Increase (Monthly)
|
Net
Monthly Gain/Loss
|
|
2023
|
8.7%
|
~$1,905
|
~$138
|
$164.90
|
-$5.20
(from 2022)
|
+$143.20
|
|
2024
|
3.2%
|
~$1,966
|
~$61
|
$174.70
|
+$9.80
|
+$51.20
|
|
2025
|
2.5%
|
~$2,015
|
~$49
|
$185.00
|
+$10.30
|
+$38.70
|
|
2026
|
2.8%
|
=$2,071
|
=$56
|
$206.50
|
+$21.50
|
+$34.50
|
Sources: SSA COLA data and CMS premium announcements. Averages approximated from SSA snapshots and back-calculated via COLA percentages.
Notice the trend: That banner 2023 COLA delivered a real windfall (thanks to a rare premium dip), but since then, net gains have halved every year. By 2026, the extra $414 annually from COLA ($56 x 12) is nearly wiped out by $258 in added premiums ($21.50 x 12)—leaving just $156 in your pocket, or about $13 monthly. Over three years, the cumulative premium hikes total $41.60 per month, outstripping COLA gains and effectively eroding about 2% of your benefit’s value.
Seniors aren’t just crunching numbers; they’re feeling it at the doctor’s office, the pharmacy, and the checkout line. With overall inflation cooling to around 2.4% this year, many expected the COLA to at least match it without the Medicare drag—yet here we are, with healthcare costs (a huge chunk of senior spending) rising 5-10% annually.
Why This Matters: The Human Cost of “Falling Short”
O’Brien’s post cuts to the heart of it: This isn’t abstract policy—it’s about dignity in retirement. For the 71 million Americans on Social Security, many of whom live on $20,000-$30,000 annually, every dollar counts. The frustration boils over in online forums and AARP surveys, where seniors lament that COLAs feel like “robbing Peter to pay Paul,” with Medicare acting as the unwitting thief. And it’s not getting better: Projections show Part B premiums could keep climbing as healthcare utilization rises with an aging population.
What Can You Do? Actionable Steps to Reclaim Some Ground
The good news? You don’t have to take this sitting down (though a comfy chair is always nice). O’Brien offers spot-on advice for navigating open enrollment, which runs through December 7:
- Shop Your Coverage: Review your Medicare Part D (prescription drugs) or Medicare Advantage plan. A better fit could slash costs by hundreds annually. Use Medicare.gov’s plan finder tool to compare options based on your meds and doctors.
- Check for Extra Help: If your income is low (under ~$23,000 single/$30,000 couple in 2025), apply for the Extra Help program. It can cover most Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays—potentially saving $5,000+ yearly.
- Appeal IRMAA if Eligible: If your income spiked temporarily (e.g., from a one-time IRA withdrawal), request a reconsideration through SSA to lower surcharges.
- Budget Smarter: Track expenses with apps like Mint or Goodbudget, and consider low-risk income boosters like senior discounts or part-time gigs that don’t trigger IRMAA.
In the end, while policymakers debate fixes—like decoupling Medicare premiums from COLAs—seniors need solutions now. The 2026 announcement is a reminder: Your retirement security isn’t just about what Washington promises; it’s about what you plan for today.
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no matter the outcome.”
