Increased Medicare premiums for 2026 are becoming a problem for many older people in the United States amid rising costs of everyday goods. The 2026 Medicare premium increase was notified in November 2025 and took effect in January of this year. And, many seniors are experiencing burnout.
representative. (unsplash)The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) increased Part A and Part B standard premiums from $185 to $202.90 in 2025, and from $257 to $283 annually in 2025.
That means Medicare holders will have to pay about $500 more annually in base premiums in the Part B category than last year. On top of that, an income surcharge is applied, further increasing the cost of healthcare.
Recently, a 65-year-old user of X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, explained the problems faced by the elderly due to increased Medicare costs.
“Why does the government hate the elderly?” User wrote. “I’ll be 65 next month and suddenly I’m forced to pay $202.90 a month for Medicare Part B if I want to see a doctor or fill a prescription.
“That’s the base premium—before any income surcharges kick in and top it off. And before Medicare even covers most services, I have to pay $283 first. And if I understand this correctly, I have to pay that $200+ every month — whether I use the service or not!”
The person then regrets: “So after decades of working, paying taxes, funding the system, my reward is this: another hundred bucks a month for the rest of your life – or go without health care.”
“I’m really confused by all of this. They always say old socks are available, but this is next level extortion. Why does everything start to cost more when you’re making less?”
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2026 Medicare Cost Increases: What to KnowIn 2026, CMS increased both Part A hospital deductibles and Part B monthly premiums. The 2026 increase is higher than the $10.20 and $10.30 increase in 2024 and 2025, respectively. CMS says premium increases are due to projected increases in medical care costs.
