Medicare Part B Premiums Exceed $200

Part B Premiums >$200
In 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium reached $202.90 monthly, crossing $200 for the first time.
Because Part B is often deducted from Social Security, premium hikes immediately shrink retirees’ monthly take-home benefits.
Other 2026 Medicare costs also ↑: Part B deductible $283; Part A hospital deductible $1,736 per stay; higher coinsurance.
Higher-income retirees face income-related surcharges, pushing monthly Part B premiums above standard, ranging $284.10-$689.90.
Social Security’s avg. ~$56 monthly COLA was partly offset as Part B premiums ↑$17.90, limiting net gains.
I’m seeing Medicare costs take a bigger bite out of retirement income, especially when premiums are deducted from Social Security. Even small increases can reduce take-home benefits and strain fixed budgets over time.