By Jackie Dover
The new year brings a lot of changes and Medicare and Aging Matters is no exception. Medicare costs change every year, for 2026 the changes are pretty noticeable. Most people will immediately see that the Medicare Part B premium has increased from $185 to $202.90. If you receive a Social Security check, they automatically deduct the premium from your check. If you are on Medicare but do not receive a Social Security check, then you will be billed quarterly. If you are a high-income earner, you may pay a higher amount. The Part B deductible has also increased $26 to $283 for 2026.
Medicare Part A has some changes also. The deductible beneficiaries pay if they are admitted into a hospital will be $1,736. This deductible covers beneficiaries’ share of hospital costs for the first 60 days of Medicare covered hospital care in a benefit period. Other Medicare Part A costs also went up; the coinsurance amount for hospital stays for days 61-90, increased to $434 per day and the daily skilled nursing coinsurance for days 21-100 increased to $217 per day.
There are Extra Help Programs that could help if you have lower income and assets, please reach out to explore what you may qualify for.
Aging Matters also has some exciting changes, we moved locations at the end of 2025. We are now located at 69 Doctors Park. This location gives us more room and the ability to help more seniors. Our Family Caregiver Program has room for storage of medical supplies that they give or loan out to those in need. We now have a washing station to make sure the items are clean and ready to use. Automatic doors and wider hallways make it easier to navigate for those with mobility issues. And we have a large conference room which can be used for different classes or training. We are excited about these new opportunities.
More exciting news from Aging Matters is we have started a Guided Care program that offers compassionate guidance to help you navigate long-term care options, understand costs and make confident choices for yourself or a loved one. We have amazing staff that will take the time to go over what options are available; skilled care, assistive living even in-home options. She will discuss what is needed now or in the future, the differences in care, how to pay for each option and what to expect.
If you have questions about aging or need assistance, please call Aging Matters 1-800-392-8771 at our NEW location, 69 Doctors Park in Cape Girardeau, MO 63703. Because, Aging Matters.