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Insider’s Report: ‘Near Seniors’ Facing Dramatically Higher Health Care Premiums in 2026 |
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If extremists in Congress and the Trump Administration refuse to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, millions of “near seniors” — aged 54 to 65 — will see their premiums more than double in 2026. According to our President & CEO, Max Richtman, that would “force people to endure unnecessary financial pain — or lose health coverage altogether.” |
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Older Americans, who already face higher premiums than younger adults, will have to navigate an even tougher road if these tax credits go by the wayside. “Their lives will be harder, and probably shorter,” says Richtman. “In addition, when those near seniors become eligible for Medicare at age 65, they will be sicker than if they had been able to keep their ACA policies, putting more of a strain on the Medicare program itself.” |
As part of the deal to end the government shutdown, Senate Democrats have been given a promise that the chamber will vote on a bill to extend the premium tax credits by the end of the second week of December. Of course, it remains to be seen whether Republicans hold up their end of the bargain. |
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The fight for affordable health care for all Americans continues. And the National Committee is committed to making sure that ACA premium tax credits are extended before they expire. |
Yet, it’s clear the ACA battle is part of a broader plan to exact across-the-board cuts to the programs, benefits and services — including Social Security and Medicare — that you and millions of other older Americans rely on for your well-being and financial security. That’s why it’s so important that you and millions of older Americans across the country continue to speak up and speak out! |
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New Podcast Episode: The Amazing Disappearing Pension & Why Union Members Rely on Social Security |
Check out the National Committee’s latest “You Earned This” podcast episode. Pensions are quickly becoming a thing of the past, to the point where even union members rely on Social Security. The Alliance for Retired Americans advocates for the retirement security of all working people, including millions of union members. Executive Director Rich Fiesta says that everyone has a stake in preserving Social Security … at a time when the most anti-union Administration in recent history is trying to undermine it. |
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Ask Us! |
Whether you’re retired or approaching retirement, our team of experts in the field of Social Security policy is available to answer your questions about benefits.
You can either search our archives for valuable advice on a broad range of concerns or submit your question here.
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This week’s question is: My husband and I both worked full time for many years and individually will qualify for close to a maximum benefit. Will we each be able to do that, or is there a maximum payment to married persons that is less than the total they would receive if they were not married? |
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A free subscription, keeps you on top of the latest news about your earned benefits. |
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Your support sustains our campaigns in Washington to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare. |
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Learn more about the Social Security program and the policies the National Committee supports that would strengthen your earned benefits. |
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Though not as high as originally estimated, standard Medicare Part B premiums will rise by nearly $18/month (10%) in 2026, eating up about one third of the average beneficiaries’ Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This is the third highest increase in Part B premiums since 2016. Next year’s standard Part B monthly premium will be $202.90, compared to the current $185/per month. (November 17, 2025, www.ncpssm.org, Press Release) |
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“If you need help from the Social Security Administration, if you need to change some information about your benefits, you’re going to wait a very long time. … You’ll listen to a recording, you’ll listen to some music, but you won't be able to talk to somebody that can help you,” said Max Richtman, President & CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. (November 13, 2025, AXIOS, Josephine Walker) |
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The U.S. Senate Select Committee on Aging held a hearing earlier this month to emphasize the need for reauthorizing the Older Americans Act (OAA), a crucial piece of federal legislation that expired the previous year. The hearing highlighted the key role OAA plays in assisting Americans living with age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as their caregivers. (November 10, 2025, Rhode Island News Today, Herb Weiss) |
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Senate Democrats are pushing an emergency $200 monthly benefit for Social Security. Adding $200 a month “would protect Social Security beneficiaries from the inflation and economic chaos triggered by President Trump’s disastrous, across-the-board tariffs,” said Max Richtman, President & CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare. (November 14, 2025, The Sacramento Bee, David Lightman) |
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Member contributions to the National Committee, a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization, are not tax-deductible. |
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