Quick answer
Social Security benefits rise 3.6% in January 2027, about $75 a month for the average retired worker. Medicare’s Part B premium usually comes out of the same check. The Medicare Trustees project it at $209.50 a month for 2027, up $6.60, but CMS has not announced the final figure yet. If the projection holds, the average retiree keeps about $68 of the raise before any Part D, Medigap or plan changes.
The 2027 numbers
| Measure | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security COLA | 2.8% | 3.6% |
| Average retired-worker benefit | about $2,095 | about $2,170 |
| Part B standard premium | $202.90 | $209.50 (projected) |
| Part B deductible | $283 | $292 (projected) |
Last reviewed November 2, 2026 by Greg Wilson. Sources: Kiplinger on the 2027 COLA (Oct 2026), AARP on the projected 2027 Part B premium. Partner links may earn SeniorAffair a commission.
A 3.6% raise is the largest in five years. Before you plan around it, remember that Medicare premiums usually come out of the same deposit, and several other costs can change on January 1.
The Part B piece
Most people pay their Part B premium by automatic deduction from Social Security. The Medicare Trustees project the 2027 standard premium at $209.50 a month, up $6.60 from $202.90 in 2026. CMS announces the official premium each fall, and we will update this page when it does.
If your raise is too small to cover a Part B increase, a rule called the hold-harmless provision generally keeps your net Social Security check from going down. It does not apply to everyone, including people new to Medicare and those who pay the higher-income surcharge.
A simple illustration
| Item | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Average COLA increase | about $75.00 |
| Projected Part B increase | about $6.60 |
| Left from the raise before other costs | about $68.40 |
This uses averages and a projected premium, not your numbers. Your raise is 3.6% of your own benefit.
See what your 2027 costs could look like
A licensed agent from our partner can compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Part D options in your ZIP code at no cost to you.
Partner link: SeniorAffair may earn a commission. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Costs that don’t show up in the headline
- Part D premiums may change, especially for stand-alone drug plans now that a federal premium program has ended. See why your Part D costs look different in 2027.
- Medigap premiums often rise each year.
- Medicare Advantage copays, networks and extras can change on January 1, and some plans are ending.
- Higher-income enrollees pay a surcharge (IRMAA) on Part B and Part D.
- The Part B deductible is projected to rise to $292.
What to do before December 7
- Read your plan’s Annual Notice of Change and note what goes up.
- Add up premium, expected copays and drug costs, not premium alone.
- Compare at least two alternatives in the Medicare Plan Finder.
- Ask your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) whether you qualify for Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program, which can lower premiums.
Free: Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist. A printable two-page list of what to check before December 7, with space for your drugs and doctors. Get the checklist
Common questions
Is the 2027 Part B premium final?
Not yet. $209.50 is the Medicare Trustees’ projection. CMS announces the official premium in the fall; check Medicare.gov.
Does everyone get $75 more?
No. About $75 is the average for retired workers. Your raise is 3.6% of your own benefit.
Can Part B make my Social Security check go down?
For most people, no. The hold-harmless provision generally prevents a Part B increase from lowering your net check, but it does not cover new enrollees or people who pay IRMAA.
When does the raise start?
With January 2027 Social Security payments. SSI recipients see it in the payment dated December 31, 2026.
Part of our Medicare Guide. Costs, enrollment deadlines, Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap, Part D and what Medicare covers, all in one place. See the full guide →
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