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 Medicare costs are up in 2026. Here is some information that might help. If your health insurance bill looks different this year, you're not imagining it. Two significant changes took effect in 2026 that affect seniors and older adults across Northern New Jersey, and we want you to know about information that might be helpful. IF YOU HAVE MEDICARE Medicare Part B premiums rose nearly 10% recently, while the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment came in at just 2.8%. What you can do: Check if you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. These NJ state programs can pay your Part B premium, potentially saving you more than $2,400 a year. Call The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased counseling: 1-800-792-8820. Ask about lower drug prices: Medicare negotiated reduced costs on high-use medications for heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. Ask your pharmacist if your prescriptions are affected. Apply for Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy): This federal program can significantly reduce what you pay for prescription drugs. A VNANNJ Medical Social Worker can guide you. Contact your representatives: Not only do Medicare costs continue to increase, but funding for home health care is reduced every year. Contact your representatives and express your concerns. IF YOU'RE AGES 60–64 (NOT YET ON MEDICARE) The enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that helped millions of Americans afford marketplace health insurance expired on December 31, 2025. The ACA itself remains in place, but the extra financial assistance that reduced premiums is gone, and many people are seeing their monthly costs double or more. What you can do: Review your current plan immediately. If you were automatically re-enrolled, you may be paying a higher premium than you realize. Log in to healthcare.gov or call NJ SHIP at 1-800-792-8820 for free help reviewing your options. Check if you qualify for NJ FamilyCare. Depending on your household income, you may be eligible for New Jersey's Medicaid program. Visit nj.gov/humanservices or call 1-800-701-0710. As a nonprofit, Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNANNJ) helps patients fund home health care if they are unable to pay. Our Foundation exists to help everyone in our community receive the home health care they deserve.  Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNANNJ) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about healthy aging and how to successfully “age in place” while avoiding hospitalization and nursing homes. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency. Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation at 973-451-4148. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNANNJ) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, and Passaic counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org. Comments are closed.
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