(CNN) – If your 2026 resolution involved budgeting, you might want to take note of changes happening Thursday that could affect your Social Security benefits, health care costs and more.
It is a new year, and new federal changes could affect the wallets and lives of Americans.
For some seniors, money could get a bit tighter.
Social Security recipients are getting a 2.8% cost-of-living increase. The Social Security earnings test, wage cap and maximum benefit also are going up, but Medicare Part B premiums are rising by almost $18 a month. That is one of the largest increases in the program’s history.
With inflation added, the net result could be in the red for some seniors.
Meanwhile, millions of people with Affordable Care Act plans are facing much steeper costs.
Pandemic-era subsidies are also gone as of Thursday.
“We’re expecting that on average premium payments are going to more than double,” said Cynthia Cox, vice president and director of KFF’s Program on the Affordable Care Act.
This is the first regular tax season with changes in effect from a bill signed in July.
They include a higher standard deduction and higher state and local tax deductions, as well as new breaks for seniors, car loan interest, tips and overtime.
“Those very important things that put more money in working class people’s pockets,” said David Urban, a Republican strategist.
A proclamation issued yesterday delays tariff hikes on some furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities that were set to begin on New Year’s Day.
Also starting Thursday, the president’s travel ban expands to 39 countries.
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