A higher Medicare Part B premium in 2026 could erode next year's cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security recipients, experts say.

The monthly premium for Medicare Part B will rise significantly next year from $185 a month in 2025. Here's what it means for Social Security payments.

The U.S. Medicare health plan said on Tuesday that newly negotiated prices for 15 of its costliest drugs will save 36% on those medications compared with recent annual spending, or about $8.5 billion in net covered prescription costs.

Not only do Medicare Advantage plans limit your annual out-of-pocket spending, but many offer expanded services beyond what original Medicare covers. Original Medicare, for example, generally will not pay for dental care, eye exams, or hearing aids. But many Medicare Advantage plans will.

Medicare Advantage plans are increasingly popular for their affordable premiums and extra benefits, but they have restrictions on care and can change frequently.