Question 1

What is the Part B late enrollment penalty?

Accepted Answer

Your Part B premium goes up 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't sign up. In most cases you pay it for as long as you have Part B.

Question 2

What is the Part D late enrollment penalty?

Accepted Answer

The Part D penalty is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium ($38.99 in 2026) times the number of full months you went without Part D or other creditable drug coverage. It is added to your premium for as long as you have Part D.

Question 3

How do I avoid Medicare late enrollment penalties?

Accepted Answer

Enroll when you are first eligible, or keep creditable coverage (such as an employer plan or VA benefits) and enroll within your Special Enrollment Period when it ends.

Question 4

Are the penalties permanent?

Accepted Answer

In most cases yes. The Part B and Part D late enrollment penalties are added to your monthly premiums for as long as you have that coverage.

Question 5

What counts as creditable coverage?

Accepted Answer

Coverage that is at least as good as Medicare's, such as an active employer group health plan, union, or VA coverage. It lets you delay Medicare without a penalty.

Question 6

Do the penalty amounts change each year?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Penalties are based on the standard Part B premium and the Part D national base premium, which are set annually, so the dollar amounts can change each year.

Medicare Late Enrollment Penalty Calculator

How Medicare Penalties Work

Part B penalty

Part D penalty

How to avoid them

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Frequently Asked Questions