# What is the Part D late enrollment penalty?

The Part D late enrollment penalty is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium ($38.99 in 2026) multiplied by the number of full months you went without creditable prescription drug coverage after you were first eligible. The amount is added to your Part D premium for as long as you have Part D.

## What it means

- The penalty is 1% of the base premium ($38.99 in 2026) per month of delay.
- It's added to your Part D premium for as long as you have Part D coverage.
- You can avoid it by keeping creditable drug coverage (from an employer, union, or VA) — and by keeping the annual notice as proof.

## Action steps

1. Save every annual creditable coverage notice you receive from an employer or drug plan.
2. If you lose creditable coverage, join a Part D plan within 63 days to avoid the penalty.

## Risks & deadlines

- You must join a Part D plan within 63 days of losing creditable coverage to avoid the penalty.

## Sources

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

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Publisher: Senior Direct Answers
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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