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The 2026 COLA: The Net Increase, and its Relationship to Inflation

Social Security beneficiaries saw a gross increase of 2.8% in their monthly payments, but most have now realized that the net increase was less than that. This, of course, is the result of the $17.90 Medicare Part B premium increase for 2026. But, as discussed in a post by Christy Bieber on 247wallst.com, that’s not the full story with respect to seniors’ disappointment with the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Ms. Bieber recaps the concern that seniors continue to lose buying power and cites comments from the Senior Citizens League regarding the loss of around 20% in seniors’ buying power since 2010. Check out her post, which includes a discussion on the mechanics associated with the COLA here…

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