If you’re living on a fixed income, even a small increase in healthcare costs can have a noticeable impact on your monthly budget. While the official 2027 Medicare costs have not yet been released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), there are several expenses and policy changes that seniors should begin watching now. Planning ahead can help you avoid surprises during Medicare Open Enrollment and give you time to adjust your retirement budget before new rates take effect. The good news is that the current 2026 Medicare costs are already known, giving beneficiaries a solid foundation for estimating next year’s expenses. Here’s what you should know now and what remains pending until CMS publishes the official 2027 figures.