Medicare 2026 premiums have just been announced, and the dual-eligible population is about to be "played people for suckers" again.

Bad news for social security and health insurance has come crashing down. The Social Security Bureau announced a 2.8% rise in the cost of living adjustment for 2026 (COLA), which looks good—this is the fifth consecutive year with an increase over 2.5% in 29 years. However, this increase has been directly offset by the big pump in Medicare Part B premiums.

Core Data:

• Social Security 2026 rise: 2.8%
• Medicare Part B monthly premium: $202.90 (rise 9.7%)
• This is a slight adjustment down to $206.20 estimated by the Medicare Trustees, but it still represents a rare double-digit rise in 25 years.

What does this mean for those who are enrolled in both Social Security and Medicare? The rise in Social Security benefits is basically swallowed up by Medicare costs. Low-income retirees are hit the hardest—their COLA may be partially or completely offset.

Why is it so bad? The comparison over the past 3 years is clear at a glance:

• 2024: Social security rise 3.2% vs Health insurance rise 5.9%
• 2025: Social Security rise 2.5% vs Health Insurance rise 5.9%
• 2026: Social security rise 2.8% vs medical insurance rise 9.7%

The cost of medical insurance is rising far faster than the increase in social security, which is a long-term trend. The soaring costs of medications for doctors and outpatient care are the main reasons. The result is that the purchasing power of retirees continues to be squeezed—wage increases are not keeping pace with the rising cost of living.