2026 Social Security COLA vs Part B: your clients are doing mental math… and it’s not going well.

They heard “COLA increase” and thought: “Finally, a little breathing room.”

Then Part B goes up, their check changes, and the phone rings:

• “My check didn’t go up as much as I thought.”
• “Did Medicare overcharge me?”
• “Is Social Security taking money back?”

This post is a retention asset. If you explain the math before clients panic, you stop the “I’m getting ripped off” calls before they start.

Let’s keep it simple.

For 2026, Social Security checks increased by a 2.8% COLA.

At the same time, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month (up $17.90 from 2025).

Clients don’t need a spreadsheet. They need a clear “before and after.”

The average Social Security benefit after the 2.8% COLA is about $56 more per month.

That number is helpful because it’s concrete. When you say it, clients instantly understand the scale.

Now compare it to the Part B increase:

• Average COLA impact: ~+$56/month
• Part B premium increase: -$17.90/month
• Typical net change: ~+$38/month

That’s why many clients will still see about a $30–$40 increase after Part B—depending on their exact benefit amount.

Here’s an example you can talk through in under a minute.

Example client

• 2025 Social Security benefit: $2,000/month (before Part B deduction)
• 2026 COLA (2.8%): +$56 → new benefit $2,056
• Part B increase: -$17.90

Net check change: about +$38.10/month

How to Say It

Agent: “Think of it like a raise and a bill. Social Security gave a raise. Part B took a bigger bill. Most people still come out ahead—usually by about $30 to $40 per month.”

Here are the main reasons a client might say, “Mine didn’t go up.”

1) They pay more than the standard Part B premium (IRMAA)

High-income clients may pay extra for Part B and Part D. That can eat up a larger part of the COLA.

2) They aren’t in the hold harmless group

If someone:

• is new to Medicare,
• isn’t collecting Social Security yet,
• or is directly billed for Part B,
  their experience can look different.

3) Other deductions changed

Some clients have other items deducted from their check:

• Medicare Advantage plan premium (if taken from SS)
• Part D premium (if taken from SS)
• Tax withholding (some choose it)
• Garnishments (rare, but it happens)

You don’t need to diagnose everything. You just need a calm process.

Copy/paste this and keep it near your desk.

Agent: “I can help. First, you’re not the only one calling about this—this happens every year when COLA and Part B change.”

Agent: “In 2026, Social Security went up 2.8%. The standard Part B premium is $202.90, and it increased by $17.90 from last year.”

Agent: “Most people still see a net increase because the COLA is usually bigger than the Part B increase.”

Agent: “Two quick questions so we can pinpoint it:

1. Is your Part B premium coming out of your Social Security check?
2. Did Social Security mention an income-related adjustment (IRMAA) on your notice?”

Agent: “If you have your benefit letter, we can walk through it together in two minutes. If not, I can still estimate it based on your benefit amount.”

Then schedule a review:
Agent: “Let’s do a quick Medicare check-up while we’re here—any new meds, doctors, or procedures planned?”

Clients don’t want the rule. They want the result.

Try this:
Agent: “There’s a rule that usually keeps your Social Security check from going down just because Part B went up. So for many people, the increase is close to net-neutral.”

That’s enough.

Want to get ahead of calls? Send this email or text:

"Hi —quick heads-up for 2026: Social Security increased by 2.8%, and Medicare Part B is $202.90/month. Most people still see a net raise, usually around $30–$40/month. If you want me to double-check your exact numbers, reply 'CHECK' and I'll help."

This positions you as the helper, not the sales rep.

When clients are confused about money, they look for someone to blame.

If you show up first with clarity, you become the person they trust.

That’s retention.

Your CTA

Pick 25 clients who:

• are anxious about costs
• call often
• or are on fixed income and watch every dollar

Send the proactive message. Then offer a 10-minute review.

Close with:
Agent: “I’ll do the math and make it simple. Want to look at it together—tomorrow morning or Thursday afternoon?”

Example 1: $1,500 benefit

• 2.8% COLA ≈ +$42
• Part B increase -$17.90
• Net ≈ +$24

Example 2: $2,000 benefit

• 2.8% COLA ≈ +$56
• Part B increase -$17.90
• Net ≈ +$38

Example 3: $2,500 benefit

• 2.8% COLA ≈ +$70
• Part B increase -$17.90
• Net ≈ +$52

You don’t have to do perfect math on the fly. You just need a ballpark that calms them down.

If a client wants "proof," guide them to:

• their Social Security COLA notice / benefit letter
• their Medicare premium notice
• their My Social Security account

Then offer help:
Agent: "If you can read me the number on line of your letter, I'll explain it."

Clarity Is Your Retention Strategy
Clients don't panic about math—they panic about confusion. When you explain the net effect before they ask, you become the steady voice that keeps them on your book.