Millions of older Americans are already feeling squeezed by rising grocery prices, higher utility bills, and increasing prescription drug costs. Now, another expense is climbing in 2026: Medicare hospital and skilled nursing facility costs. Medicare Part A’s inpatient hospital deductible has officially increased to $1,736 per benefit period, while skilled nursing facility coinsurance jumped to $217 per day after the first 20 days of care. These changes may not sound dramatic at first glance, but for seniors living on fixed incomes, a single hospital stay could quickly turn into a serious financial burden.
