Medicare beneficiaries will see higher Part B costs next year, including increases to both the monthly premium and the annual deductible. CMS announced last week that Medicare Part B premiums will increase from $185.00 to $202.90 per month. For many households, these changes could add significant financial pressure, affecting how people plan their month, manage medications, or decide when to schedule care. Members living with financial insecurity feel these increases most, and many are already stretched thin.
For low-income members, enrollment in Medicaid or the Medicare Savings Programs can help mitigate these additional expenses by covering the qualifying member’s Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles, which are also set to increase in 2026 from $257 to $283. Medicare Savings Programs and Medicaid play a key role in reducing financial strain for people with low incomes by putting money back into the household budget each month. Many Medicare members are eligible but not enrolled, often because the process feels complicated or they aren’t aware that help exists.
Health plans can play an important role in easing this burden by partnering with a vendor specializing in dual eligibility advocacy. Members need communication that is clear and supportive. They also need someone in their corner who can guide them through the benefits designed to protect them from cost increases. BeneLynk’s team has been doing this work for decades, ensuring members get the highest level of benefits to which they are entitled. Beyond Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Programs, BeneLynk also helps members enroll in the Low-Income Subsidy and other cost-saving programs that can reduce prescription expenses and ease overall financial pressure.
BeneLynk can connect members to meaningful financial help, so rising costs do not become barriers to care. If your members are worried about next year’s increases, now is the time to make sure they know that support may be available to them and how to access it. Reach out to us at sales@benelynk.com to learn how BeneLynk’s dual-eligibility advocacy can ease financial burdens for your members.