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Miami Herald
07-07-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Retired workers to see shocking change to Medicare in 2026
It's only an estimate - but if history is any guide, it's one you'll want to watch. Tucked deep inside the 267-page 2025 Medicare Trustees report is a projection that the standard monthly Medicare Part B premium could rise to $206.50 in 2026. That's an 11.6% jump from the $185 premium set for 2025 - and it would be the largest single-year increase since 2016, when premiums climbed 16.1%, from $104.90 to $121.80. This estimate, however, is not the final number. In fact, it could be even higher. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter "There is certainly a potential for the monthly premium to increase further," said Marcia Mantell, president of Mantell Retirement Consulting. "And each person's share - 25% of the total premium - could rise before the final numbers are published later this year in the third or fourth quarter." Photo by Nappy on Unsplash Medicare Part B is the portion of Original Medicare that covers outpatient and preventive care, including: Doctor visits and lab testsCancer screenings and flu shotsDurable medical equipment (e.g., walkers, wheelchairs)Some prescription drugs administered in outpatient settingsHome health care and skilled nursingMental health services and ambulance transportation In 2025, the standard monthly premium is $185. Beneficiaries also face a $257 annual deductible, and once that's met, typically pay 20% coinsurance on covered services. Related: Social Security payment dates for July 2025: what you need to know Around 7-8% of the 68 million Medicare beneficiaries pay higher premiums due to income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAA). Most preventive services are covered at no cost if the provider accepts Medicare assignment. The projected jump to $206.50 in 2026 may be just the beginning. According to the Medicare Trustees, monthly Part B premiums are expected to continue rising, reaching $347.50 by 2034 - a $141 monthly increase per person over nine years. And that 2026 estimate doesn't yet reflect potential changes from federal budget decisions or shifting health care spending trends. "There is certainly a potential for the monthly premium to increase further," said Marcia Mantell, president of Mantell Retirement Consulting. "And each person's share - 25% of the total premium - could rise before the final numbers are published later this year in the third or fourth quarter." In recent years, the Trustees' estimates have been remarkably accurate, often landing just a few dollars off the final figure. But as Katy Votava, founder of points out, these aren't just projections - they reflect a deeper cost trend. "Medicare Part B premium estimates typically track within a reasonable margin of error year to year," Votava said. "That said, Medicare B is in a hyper-inflation mode for the foreseeable future." She identified two long-term forces driving these increases: A shift of cost-intensive care from inpatient (Part A) to outpatient (Part B) settings, such as major surgeries or cancer treatments. The growing popularity of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, which now cover 54% of all Medicare beneficiaries. "The MA program costs 20% more than Original Medicare," Votava explained. "Given these cost shifts, I anticipate a +/- 10% increase in Medicare Part B premiums going forward." According to the 2025 Trustees Report: About 72-75% of Part B funding comes from general revenues from the U.S. 25% comes from premiums paid by beneficiaries - totaling $139.8 billion in revenue includes interest on trust fund investments ($3.5 billion) and brand-name drug fees ($2.8 billion). These Treasury contributions are legally required to automatically adjust to match program costs - helping keep Part B financially balanced. One question on many retirees' minds: Will the "hold harmless" rule kick in to protect benefits from the premium hike? According to The Senior Citizens League, the projected Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 is 2.5% - the same as for 2025. That translates to a $50 per month increase for someone receiving the average $2,000 Social Security benefit. Since the projected Part B premium increase is $21.50, most beneficiaries will not be protected by the hold harmless provision - because the COLA is more than enough to absorb the increase. Related: Young workers face stark Social Security reality "The COLA would have to come in below 1.06% for hold harmless to apply broadly," Mantell explained. "That's highly unlikely. Only Social Security recipients receiving less than about $800 per month might be affected if the COLA is 2.5%." These might be, she said, dependent spouses whose spouse had low wages and lower-than-average benefits. Or an individual worker who spent many years outside the workforce and has many $0 years in their benefit calculation." According to the Social Security Administration, nearly 4 million Social Security beneficiaries receive less than $800 per month. She added that historically, those subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or Government Pension Offset (GPO) often had low benefits and would have been in the hold harmless group. But she noted, "With the Social Security Fairness Act eliminating those reductions, this should not be the case for most." There's no way to avoid the premium increase, Mantell said. "By law, each Medicare beneficiary pays 25% of the overall premium," she explained. "It is deducted from their Social Security payment automatically. If not yet claiming Social Security, premiums are generally paid quarterly from your checking account or using the online options at Medicare." But that doesn't mean you're powerless. Mantell offers these five planning steps: Forecast your 2026 healthcare budget "The most important step to take now is to forecast your own budget for 2026," Mantell said. "Consider all healthcare costs you can reasonably expect - there are often more costs than just Part B premiums." (Use Mantell's free worksheet: Boomer Retirement Briefs – Estimating Your Medicare Costs.)Learn to use the Medicare Plan Finder tool "Several major insurance companies are no longer paying brokers to sell their plans, so you will not necessarily see the lowest-cost providers this fall," she said. "You need to find the lowest premium plans on your own from now on." Use this tool, Medicare Plan Compare, during Open Enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7).Call your members of Congress "Tell them you are not happy about such huge projected increases in your Part B premiums," Mantell advised. "This is a significant burden to your budget along with all the other increases in goods and services and local taxes, etc."Explore property tax relief locally "Talk to your town clerk or other local official who can help you find property tax savings opportunities in your town," she said. "In some towns, you can work a certain number of hours to reduce property taxes."File your taxes using IRS Form 1040-SR "It's generally the same as the regular 1040," Mantell noted, "but it includes the higher standard deduction for seniors." In addition to budgeting and plan shopping, it's wise to think about how rising premiums could impact your long-term investment plan. "I think people might need to stress-test their portfolios," said T. Rowe Price Senior Research Analyst Sudipto Banerjee. "Run your portfolio projections under current spending assumptions, and then test what happens if you increase your health care spending projections by X% (pick any number). If you don't like the results, you'll probably need to save more." If the Medicare Trustees are right - as they have been in recent years- beneficiaries will face the largest premium hike in a decade next year. And with health care costs continuing to outpace inflation, it puts pressure on retirement budgets. "There is certainly a potential for the monthly premium to increase further," Mantell warned. "And each person's share…could rise." Got questions about retirement, email What You Need to Know about Medicare Part D The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
IOL News
24-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's tourism jobs at risk as foreign arrivals decline
Despite a rise in accommodation spending, South Africa faces a worrying decline in international visitors. Image: Pexels/Nappy Although tourists spent more on accommodation in April when compared with a year ago, the volume of international visitors to our shores declined in May when compared to the previous month. Lara Hodes, Investec economist, said in a note that she expects the June figures to likely be lower due to 'an escalation in geopolitical tensions'. On Tuesday, Statistics South Africa's figures showed that overall tourism to and from international destinations, both by local and global tourists, declined 3.4% in May when compared with April – although this figure was up 22.2% year-on-year. 'Despite current challenges, however, the domestic tourism sector remains a key conduit for growth and employment and is a significant focus area of government. One of the priorities of Operation Vulindlela Phase II launched last month is to streamline the visa system to increase tourism and attract investment,' said Hodes. South Africa's tourism sector employs around 1.5 million people both directly and indirectly. The agency also noted that a comparison between the movements in April 2025 and May 2025 indicates that the volume of arrivals decreased for South African residents but increased for foreign travellers. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading In terms of money spent on accommodation while in South Africa, there was a 14.8% year-on-year increase in income in April. This was mostly driven by a category called 'other' – up 21.2% - and hotels, which gained 11.1%. This 'other' category includes lodges, bed-and-breakfast establishments, and self-catering establishments. Statistics South Africa said in its Tuesday print that the gain was also the result of a 4.5% increase in the number of stay unit nights sold and a 9.9% increase in the average income per stay unit night sold. The gain on income, which strips out restaurant and bar sales, followed a 5.7% year-on-year increase in March, Hodes noted. Hodes added that, when measured on a quarter on quarter seasonally adjusted basis in real terms however, income from accommodation declined in April. She pointed to the most recent Bureau for Economic Research (BER) Other Services survey, which showed that confidence among respondents in the hotel and restaurant subsector decreased markedly in the second quarter of the year alongside significant declines in both business conditions and business volumes. IOL Business
IOL News
17-06-2025
- IOL News
The emotional journey of lost luggage: Stories of reunion and heartbreak
For countless passengers, the excitement of travel is often laced with anxiety about their bags. Image: Pexels/Nappy The airport - a bustling nexus of dreams and departures - can also be the site of emotional turmoil when luggage goes missing. For countless passengers, the excitement of travel is often laced with anxiety about their bags. While some stories celebrate joyous reunions, others reflect the heartbreak of lost belongings, highlighting the human experience that can easily get overlooked in the hustle and bustle of air travel. According to recent findings from SITA, the world's leading specialist in air transport communications and information technology, 5.3 billion passengers travelled by air in 2024, marking an 8.2% increase from 2023. As passenger numbers rose, so did the volume of checked luggage; however, the global rate of mishandled luggage has seen significant improvement, dropping to 6.3 bags per 1,000 passengers, down from 6.9 in 2023. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Particularly in the Africa - Middle East region, the rate stood at an impressive 6.02 bags per 1,000 passengers. These statistics point towards a remarkable 67% improvement in luggage handling since 2007, showcasing the effectiveness of advanced technologies such as SITA's WorldTracer. In 2024 alone, over 33.4 million bags were mishandled, but more than 66% were resolved within 48 hours. Airlines invested over $5 billion in tracing and reconciling baggage, a commitment to addressing the growing demands of air travel. However, behind the numbers lie personal narratives that illustrate the emotional stakes involved. One such story is that of Thembi Basi, who shared her harrowing experience on TikTok after her luggage got stuck in Johannesburg while she flew to Cape Town. The chaos of the baggage claim escalated her stress as she faced the prospect of missing out on her holiday plans. Her travels were intertwined with her birthday celebrations, adding to the urgency of the situation. Thankfully, Basi's suitcase was found, allowing her to enjoy her trip, albeit with plans for an AirTag on her next journey for peace of mind. After two canceled Southwest flights, Patrick Keane was finally reunited with his bag at Midway, and he let the entire airport know how it felt. @cbschicago — Noel Brennan (@Noeltbrennan) December 28, 2022 Across the ocean, Patrick Keane's viral video documented his cheerfulness when he was finally reunited with his lost suitcase after enduring 17 hours stranded at Denver International Airport. His joyous scream and energetic leap on the baggage carousel resonated with viewers, underscoring the intense relief and celebration that comes with finding a lost bag. Comments poured in, with many empathising with Keane's plight, displaying a collective understanding of the emotional rollercoaster that mislaid luggage can cause. Conversely, Bianca Beemer's ordeal serves as a cautionary tale. Moving from Toronto to Berlin, Beemer lost nearly all she owned in a checked bag, valued at around $7,000 (approximately R125,000). Despite her optimism, she's still grappling with the absence of her belongings four months later, detailing her struggle with airlines in search of answers on TikTok. The emotional weight of this situation - losing your entire life's worth of belongings during a significant transition - is a stark reminder of how critical our possessions can be in our lives. I got my bag!!! @British_Airways even though I had to drive 2hours to the courier depot because they just didn't deliver my bag to my address after changing the delivery times every hour keeping me on edge and not knowing how to move 'incase' they showed up which they never did.… — Minnie Dlamini (@MinnieDlamini) July 15, 2024 South Africa's own Minnie Dlamini recently faced a frustrating experience with British Airways when her luggage failed to arrive on her birthday trip to London. Landing without her belongings disrupted her plans, and despite numerous attempts to retrieve them, the bags didn't arrive until the final hours of her trip. These stories, though varied, echo a common sentiment - that luggage is not just a collection of garments but a storage of memories and essentials that accompany us on our journeys. While the statistics illustrate improvements in baggage handling, the emotional ramifications of lost luggage reveal a deeper connection we share with our belongings.
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Silent crisis: Why South African men are dying seven years sooner than women
One silent crisis continues to claim lives: men's health. Across South Africa, men are suffering – and dying – in silence. Image: Nappy/Pexels In a world where health discussions dominate conversations, one silent crisis stands out: men's health across South Africa. Glaring statistics reveal a grim reality, as South African men are living an average of seven years less than women, with a life expectancy of just around 62 years compared to 69 years for their female counterparts. This disparity is largely attributed to avoidable health risks, late diagnoses, and an alarming reluctance to seek preventative care. This Men's Health Month, Bestmed Medical Scheme is urging men of all ages to take action towards their well-being. The persistent issues of fear, stigma, and a deeply ingrained culture of avoidance surrounding medical check-ups and health screenings continue to claim lives. 'Too many men only visit a doctor when it's already too late,' warns Dr Lee Moses, Medical Advisor: Advisory Risk and Quality Management at Bestmed Medical Scheme. 'We need to normalise proactive care because prevention is far more powerful than cure.' The stark statistics The statistics paint a sobering picture of men's health in the country. Aside from the considerable life expectancy gap, there is a concerning trend regarding late-stage diagnoses of prostate and testicular cancer. Prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men, is highly manageable if caught in its early stages. However, stigma related to screenings, particularly fears surrounding rectal exams, discourages many from seeking this crucial health service. 'Many men dread the rectal exam,' Dr Moses acknowledges, 'but times have changed. A simple PSA blood test is now an initial screening option for men over 40.' More invasive tests are only recommended if initial assessments raise concerns. To combat this silent crisis, men are encouraged to perform regular testicular self-exams and attend annual prostate screenings to detect potential problems early, before they escalate into life-threatening conditions. Hidden threats to health Prostate cancer is not the only concern on the horizon. Men face higher risks of chronic illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and mental health disorders. These conditions are often diagnosed too late due to delayed healthcare consultations. Lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, insufficient exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and tobacco use exacerbate these risks, leading to dire health outcomes. Mental health remains a particularly challenging aspect of men's overall health. Many men are less likely than women to seek help for issues such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. As a result, addiction and suicide rates continue to rise. Furthermore, men fall behind in HIV and TB testing, with a significant number neglecting treatment and precautionary measures, risking their health and the well-being of those around them. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ A call to change 'It's time to flip the script,' Dr Moses asserts. 'Going for regular check-ups isn't a weakness – it's being responsible. It's a strength and it's how we stay alive for the people who count on us.' Bestmed Medical Scheme encourages men to take small but consistent steps towards better health: Schedule annual health screenings Adopt a balanced diet and exercise regularly Manage stress and mental well-being Stay informed and proactive about health 'When detected early, most health problems are manageable or even reversible. Men, your health matters. Speak up. Show up. Live longer.' Dr Moses concludes, urging men to take charge of their health for themselves and their loved ones. IOL
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Breaking the silence on mental health: how to have those difficult conversations
Despite growing awareness around mental wellness, talking about it remains a challenge. Image: Antoni Shkraba Studio/Pexels You may have a friend who seems unusually quiet or a family member who's withdrawn. You want to ask them how they're feeling, but you hesitate, afraid it might be awkward or intrusive. Sound familiar? For many, this scenario is all too common when it comes to discussing mental health. Despite growing awareness around mental wellness, talking about it remains a challenge. Why is mental health so hard to talk about? In South Africa, mental health is often clouded by stigma. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), up to 1 in 6 South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders, yet many never seek help. Why? Talking about mental health is frequently seen as a sign of weakness or failure. Cultural beliefs also play a role. In some communities, mental illness is misunderstood, often attributed to spiritual causes or dismissed as a lack of resilience. A 2022 study by the Human Sciences Research Council highlighted that 70% of South Africans associate mental illness with social stigma, making it harder for individuals to seek help or confide in others. Economic inequality further complicates the issue. In a country where over 55% of the population lives in poverty, many prioritise survival over mental well-being. For instance, it's not uncommon for someone struggling with depression to dismiss their symptoms, saying, 'There's no time to be sad; I need to put food on the table.' Why does talking about mental health matter? Despite these barriers, discussing mental health is essential. Open conversations can lead to early intervention, reducing the severity of mental health issues. Moreover, they help normalise seeking help, breaking the cycle of stigma. Studies show that social support significantly improves mental health outcomes. A 2021 report by SADAG found that individuals who talk about their struggles are more likely to seek professional help, adhere to treatment, and experience better recovery rates. Mental health struggles are deeply personal, and dismissive comments can do more harm than good. Image: Nappy/Pexels How to start the conversation Talking about mental health doesn't have to be daunting. Here are some practical tips: 1. Start small and casual If diving straight into a conversation about mental health feels intimidating, begin with something lighter. Ask your friend or loved one how they're doing in general. For example, 'How's work been lately?' or 'How are things at home?' This approach creates a safe space for them to open up. 2. Acknowledge their struggles If you know someone is going through a tough time, whether it's job loss, grief, or trauma, acknowledge it. Say something like, 'I've noticed you've been quieter than usual. I want you to know I'm here if you need to talk.' This validates their feelings without being intrusive. 3. Offer practical support Acts of kindness can facilitate deeper conversations. Offer to help with practical tasks, such as picking up groceries or assisting with childcare. These gestures show that you care and can create opportunities for deeper conversations. 4. Avoid judgemental language Mental health struggles are deeply personal, and dismissive comments can do more harm than good. Avoid phrases like 'You're overreacting' or 'Just snap out of it.' Instead, use empathetic language such as, 'I can't imagine how hard this must be for you.' 5. Ask open-ended questions Rather than offering advice, ask questions that invite the person to share their feelings. For example, 'What can I do to support you?' or 'What do you think would help you feel better?' This empowers them to express their needs. 6. Be patient Sometimes, people aren't ready to talk, and that's okay. Let them know you're available when they're ready. \A simple message like, 'I'm here if you ever want to chat,' can make a big difference. Local resources for mental health support We live in a country with limited access to mental health services, but organisations like SADAG and Lifeline offer free or low-cost support. Encourage your loved ones to reach out to these resources: SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group): 24-hour helpline at 0800 456 789. Lifeline South Africa: Call 0861 322 322 for confidential support. LoveLife: Aimed at youth mental health, they offer counselling at 083 323 1023. Community-based initiatives, such as peer support groups in townships and rural areas, also play a crucial role in bridging the mental health gap. Mental health is a journey, not a destination. By starting conversations, we can help normalise mental wellness and create a culture of understanding and support. Mental health is something we all have, and taking care of it is a collective responsibility.
