Alex Rosenberg is a NerdWallet writer focusing on Medicare and information technology. He has more than 10 years of experience researching and writing about health care, insurance, technology, data privacy and public policy. His research has supported lawmakers in the Wisconsin State Legislature as well as health systems and national health authorities in the U.S. and more than 10 other countries. He is based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
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If you don’t sign up for Medicare during the initial enrollment period, you could start accruing potentially expensive and long-lasting penalties when you finally enroll. In some cases, these penalties are permanent and continue for as long as you’re receiving Medicare benefits.
The different parts of Medicare all have their own rules for when you’re subject to a penalty, how much the penalty will cost and how long you have to pay it.
Here’s what you need to know about the late enrollment penalties for Medicare Part A, Part B and Part D.
Most people don’t pay premiums for Medicare Part A , so they never need to worry about late enrollment penalties. However, those who don’t qualify for premium-free Part A are subject to penalties if they sign up late.
If you have to pay premiums for Medicare Part A and you didn’t sign up during your initial enrollment period, you’ll pay a penalty. The penalty adds an extra 10% to the monthly premium for Part A ( $505 per month in 2024 ), and it lasts for twice the number of full years you went without signing up [0]
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services . What Does Medicare Cost?. Accessed Jan 30, 2023.For example, if you went without signing up for Medicare Part A for two years, you would owe the extra penalty amount for four years. In 2023, the penalty would add more than $50 to your bill each month. In later years, the penalty could go up or down along with the Part A premium.
Medicare Advantage is an alternative to traditional Medicare offered by private health insurers. It covers the same benefits as Medicare Part A and Part B.
CMS Star Rating
Average Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Get a quote on NerdWalletWe will connect you with Medicare companies based on the information you provide. They will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed.
States available 49 states and Washington, D.C. Members in high-rated plans Medium (50% to 89%) Member satisfaction (855) 821-0556 Call UnitedHealthcare
CMS Star Rating
Average Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Get a quote on NerdWalletWe will connect you with Medicare companies based on the information you provide. They will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed.
States available 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico Members in high-rated plans High (90% or more) Member satisfaction Above average (855) 432-0512 M-F 9am-9pm ET, Sa 10am-9pm ET Speak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.org See more plansIf you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period, you’ll have to pay extra when you do sign up, unless you qualify for a special enrollment period .
The Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty adds 10% to your Medicare Part B premium for each full year that you could have signed up for Part B, but didn’t [0]
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services . Avoid Late Enrollment Penalties. Accessed Jan 30, 2023. . The penalty is permanent: You’ll pay the extra amount for as long as you have Medicare Part B.If you go too long without Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage or other prescription drug coverage that’s at least as good after your initial enrollment period ends, you’ll generally have permanent penalties added to your Medicare Part D premium once you sign up [0]
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services . Part D Late Enrollment Penalty. Accessed Jan 30, 2023.The Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty adds 1% of the national base beneficiary premium ( $34.70 in 2024 ) to your Medicare Part D premium for each full month you went without qualifying prescription drug coverage.
For example, if you went without qualifying coverage for 24 months, your penalty would be 24% of the national base beneficiary premium. For 2024, 24% of $34.70 would work out to an extra $8.30 every month (rounded to the nearest 10 cents).
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
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Alex is a NerdWallet writer focusing on Medicare and information technology. He has written about health, tech, and public policy for over 10 years. See full bio.
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