Medicare premiums to surge in 2026. How could it affect retirees in SC?

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Medicare premium increases are expected to reduce the 2.8% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2026.

Medicare Part A costs, including the inpatient hospital deductible, are set to rise in 2026.

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will increase by 9.7% to $202.90 in 2026.

Medicare costs are expected to consume a significant portion of older Americans' Social Security cost-of-living adjustment next year.

The Social Security Administration announced in October that monthly Social Security checks would rise $56, on average, starting in 2026 due to a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

But the cost-of-living raise could be cut by increases in premium costs for Medicare Parts A and B.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services anno