THE TRUTH
THE WHOLE TRUTH
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH
JUNE 2, 2026
HEALTH & WELLNESS
BLOG POST WITH TABLES + SIMPLE EXPLANATIONS
(PWTRelyNews built for retirees and caregivers)
MEDICARE 2026: WHAT’S GOING UP AND WHY IT MATTERS
Table 1 — Premium Changes
| Category | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part B Premium | $174.70 | $— (article’s figure) | ↑ Rising due to medical inflation |
| Part A Premium | varies | ↑ | Driven by inpatient care costs |
Plain‑Language Explanation
- Premiums go up when healthcare gets more expensive.
- Medicare adjusts every year, and 2026 continues the upward trend.
- Retirees pay more even if their income stays the same.
Table 2 — Deductible Changes
| Category | 2025 Deductible | 2026 Deductible | Why It Increased |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | $1,632 | ↑ | Hospital costs rising |
| Part B | $240 | ↑ | Outpatient services more expensive |
Plain‑Language Explanation
- A deductible is what you pay before Medicare starts helping.
- When deductibles rise, your first medical bill of the year gets bigger.
Table 3 — Out‑of‑Pocket Exposure
| Category | Coverage Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Dental | Not covered | Retirees pay full cost |
| Vision | Not covered | Glasses & exams out‑of‑pocket |
| Hearing | Not covered | Hearing aids expensive |
| Long‑Term Care | Not covered | Biggest financial risk |
Plain‑Language Explanation
Medicare covers a lot — but not the things retirees need most often.