Medicare costs are set to increase in 2026, with higher Part B premiums and deductibles confirmed by CMS. Monthly premiums will exceed $200, and inpatient/outpatient costs are rising nationwide. Higher-income retirees will face increased IRMAA surcharges. These changes occur amidst inflation, impacting the budgets of millions of beneficiaries. CMS attributes the increases to projected medical spending and inflation, noting that policy adjustments helped limit the rise compared to historical sharp increases.