# 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

1. Keep written proof of any employer or union coverage you had after 65.
2. 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.

## Sources

- [Avoid late enrollment penalties (medicare.gov)](https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs/avoid-penalties)

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Published: 2026-07-18T00:00:00+00:00
Modified: 2026-07-18T00:00:00+00:00
Last verified: 2026-07-18
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