FCRSPA Nov 2025 Health/Insurance – Colette Baker

 

Medicare Changes for 2026
 

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees is projected to be $206.50 for 2026, an increase of $21.50 from $185.00 in 2025.  Medicare premiums are income-based. 

 

The Medicare annual deductible for 2026 is projected to be $288, an increase of $31 from the annual deductible of $257 in 2025.  This deductible will reset January 1, 2026.  The medical deductible must be paid before medical claims are paid by CareFirst. 

 

Once the new premiums and deductibles are officially announced for 2026, go to Medicare.gov to view the new costs for Medicare eligible retirees.

 

Social Security Increase

 

The 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is currently projected to be 2.7%.  While the official announcement was delayed by the government shutdown, experts expect the final increase to be around this figure. 

 

Medicare Open Enrollment

 

You are probably seeing and receiving a lot of Medicare ads now during the Medicare open enrollment.  For those who continued FCPS retiree benefits, Medicare-eligible retirees have medical supplemental coverage through CareFirst and prescription coverage through Silver Script.  There is no need to enroll in another Medicare plan, this would terminate the coverage through FCPS.

 

CareFirst Blue Rewards

 

Blue Rewards offers you incentives for taking steps to get and stay healthy.  Retirees and their spouses enrolled in the CareFirst medical plan had the opportunity to earn up to $100 for completing one, or all, of the following activities before September 30, 2025:

 

• Complete the RealAge assessment and consent to receive well-being emails – earn $25.

• Join a specialized program that meets your health and well-being needs – earn $25.

• Complete a health screening or a preventive exam – earn $50!

 

If you completed one or more of these activities, you should have received a CareFirst Blue Rewards Visa Debit Card in the mail.  You can use the debit card toward annual deductibles or other out-of-pocket costs like copays or coinsurance related to eligible expenses under your CareFirst health plan.  Make sure you always save your receipts as proof of your expenses.  You have until December 31, 2025, to use your rewards.

 

Keep the card as long as you are a CareFirst member as any future incentives you earn will be automatically added to the same card.  For more information, log into carefirst.com/wellbeing