Medicare Part B premiums
Will you lose all your COLA increase to Medicare?
On October 24th, the Social Security Administration announced a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment. This announcement means that, on average, the monthly Social Security benefit will increase by $56. However, many people are awaiting the announcement of the Medicare Part B…
The Medicare Premium Impact of COLA
In all the hoopla surrounding last week’s announcement of the 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, many media accounts gloss over the effect of Medicare’s premium increase. And it’s a big effect, since it amounts to an 11.6 percent increase in…
Medicare Part B costs have outpaced COLA for years
Data shows that Medicare Part B premiums have been rising faster than COLA for years, which is why many seniors are struggling to make ends meet. Mary Johnson, Social Security and Medicare policy analyst, her analysis shows that “From 2005…
Ask Rusty – I’m Working after age 65; Why Aren’t I Exempt from Medicare Part B Premium?
Dear Rusty: Why, as I continue to work after age 65 and have FICA taxes taken from my check, am I – or anyone – also compelled under the threat of penalties, rate increases, etc. to immediately take Medicare Part…
COLA increase might not be enough
The 3.2 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 66 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2024. However, you may not be as much as you think it will be due to Medicare Part B…
2024 COLA: Don’t forget about Medicare premiums!
The 2024 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announced last week has garnered quite a bit of attention in the media, both positively (it will help beneficiaries recover some of the ground lost to inflation) and negatively (the 3.2% bump is…
Another important date for retirees
On October 12th, the Social Security Administration will announce the 2024 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). However, there is another day that will be just as important. It is the day the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announces the 2024…
Will the new Alzheimer’s drug put pressure on Medicare premiums?
The FDA approved the drug Leqembi, and Medicare will cover the new expensive new drug that promises the slowing the advance of Alzheimer’s disease. Although the last Alzheimer’s disease drug caused Medicare Part B premiums to rise an incredible 14.5…