Fernando Bowie

Projected COLA: ↑2.7% (~$51.70/mo for avg. $1,915 benefit)
Medicare Part B premium may ↑$10-$15/mo in 2026
Rising healthcare costs erode COLA gains
TSCL: Benefits lost >30% buying power since 2000
Official 2026 COLA, premium announced in Oct. 2025; retirees urged to review budgets

Maximize Your Social Security Raise

Insurance inflation protection increases policy benefits over time to help offset rising costs from inflation.

Long-term care insurance commonly uses inflation protection because benefits may be needed decades after purchase.

Inflation riders raise premiums, with higher or compounding increases costing significantly more than basic coverage.

Options include higher initial benefits, guaranteed purchase options, simple inflation, or compound annual increases.

Younger, healthier buyers often benefit most from compound inflation protection adding 3%–5% annually.