What is the Part B late enrollment penalty?
If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible and don't have other creditable coverage, your Part B premium may go up 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't. You typically pay this penalty for as long as you have Part B.
What it means
- The Part B late enrollment penalty is 10% of the standard premium for each full 12-month period you delayed without creditable coverage.
- The penalty is added to your monthly Part B premium for as long as you have Part B.
- You can avoid the penalty if you had qualifying employer coverage and enroll during a Special Enrollment Period.
Action steps
- Keep written proof of any employer or union coverage you had after 65.
- Enroll in Part B during your Special Enrollment Period when other coverage ends — usually within 8 months.
Risks & deadlines
- The Special Enrollment Period after employer coverage ends is 8 months long.
Source:
Last verified: 2026-07-18
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