The COLA is determined each year by comparing the change in the average CPI-W for the third quarter of the previous year with the current year.
We won’t have the final number until about October 15th. This estimate is based on the CPI-W of April 2024.
But as of May, the projection is 2.2%
It will not be lower than this estimate unless inflation rate declines over the next five months and could be higher if inflation accelerates.
The calculation:
(307.811 – 301.236) / 301.236 X 100 = 0.218 (adjusted to the nearest 1/10 of 1 percent = 2.2%)
Blue = April 2024 CPI-W
Red = average CPI-W for third quarter 2023
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 
In the Medicare Trustee report released last week, the Trustees estimated Part B premiums would climb by $10.30 a month in 2025 to $185.00. That’s an increase of 5.9% from $174.70 in 2024.
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6% inflation on health care is pretty standard
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The flaw of averages…
“In 2022, households in the lowest income quintile spent an average of $5,090 on food (representing 31.2 percent of income), while households in the highest income quintile spent an average of $15,713 on food (representing 8.0 percent of income).”
Everyone is unequal, but some are more unequal than others.
I am in neither group, probably average or slightly above. The price of food (and gas) hasn’t affected me much.
2. If you think Biden’s “policies” are the cause of 9 percent inflation following Covid, think again.
3. If you think electing Trump will bring back lower prices, you will get what you deserve.
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Maybe the Fed should take a trip to the grocery store. Yes, I know food isn’t included in the number, but food and gas are everyday expenses. Just another example of the Govt screwing everyone.
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How is the government doing that? Food and gas are absolutely included in the CPI-W which determines the SS COLA.
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If you really think that the numbers that the Govt publishes are accurate you are 100% idiot! They cook the books because they can’t afford to pay the interest on the debt and the SS payments without breaking the bank.
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If that’s what you believe, so be it. And if they didn’t “cook the books” where would the money come from? Who is “they” by the way?
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Did I read correctly that food and fuel are not counted in the CPI? Aren’t they two of the top factors for families and seniors?
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Not counted in CORE inflation measure used by Fed because they are so volatile. They are used in the regular CPI and the CPI-W used for SS
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