Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties
The Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty is 10% of the standard premium for each 12-month period you went without coverage. The Part D late enrollment penalty is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium per month without coverage. Both penalties last as long as you have Medicare.
Key points
- Part B: about 10% added to your premium for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't.
- Part D: about 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for each full month without creditable drug coverage.
- Both penalties generally last as long as you have that coverage.
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For each full 12-month period you were eligible for Part B but didn't sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period — and didn't have other creditable coverage, such as through an employer — your monthly Part B premium can increase by roughly 10%. This higher premium generally applies for as long as you have Part B.
Illustrative example: If you delayed Part B by 24 months (two full 12-month periods) without creditable coverage, your premium could increase by roughly 20% for as long as you have Part B. This is a hypothetical example to illustrate the formula, not a current rate.
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Frequently asked questions
Sources from Medicare.gov
The facts on this page come from official Medicare.gov information. Rules, premiums, deductibles, and income limits can change every year — check these pages for the current details.
- Avoid late enrollment penalties (opens Medicare.gov in a new tab)
- When can I sign up for Medicare? (opens Medicare.gov in a new tab)
- Working past 65 (opens Medicare.gov in a new tab)
- Medicare costs (current premiums — updated yearly) (opens Medicare.gov in a new tab)
You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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