Medicare Part B Late Enrollment
Penalty Calculator
Find out exactly how much your Part B late enrollment penalty will cost you — every month, every year, for the rest of your life.
Calculate Your Penalty
Enter your eligibility and enrollment dates below
When did you first become eligible for Part B?
This is typically the month you turned 65. If you became eligible due to disability, use that date.
When did you (or will you) enroll in Part B?
If you haven't enrolled yet, enter your planned enrollment date to estimate your future penalty.
Had creditable employer coverage?
If you delayed Part B because you had creditable coverage through an employer (yours or your spouse's), those months don't count toward your penalty. Use your coverage end date as your eligibility start date instead of your 65th birthday.
How the Part B Late Enrollment Penalty Works
Medicare Part B covers outpatient services — doctor visits, preventive care, lab tests, and medical equipment. Most people are first eligible for Part B when they turn 65. If you don't enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and don't have creditable employer coverage, you'll face a permanent late enrollment penalty.
The penalty is calculated as 10% of the standard Part B premium for each full 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll. In 2026, the standard premium is $185.00/month. So if you delayed 2 full years, your penalty is 20% — an extra $37.00/month added to your premium for life.
The penalty is permanent. It doesn't expire after a few years, and it doesn't get forgiven when you turn a certain age. It follows you for as long as you have Medicare Part B.
Penalty by Delay Length (2026 Rates)
| Delay Period | Penalty % | Monthly Add-On | New Monthly Premium | 10-Year Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 12 months | No penalty | — | $185.00 | $0 |
| 1–2 years (1 period) | 10% | +$18.50 | $203.50 | $2,220.00 |
| 2–3 years (2 periods) | 20% | +$37.00 | $222.00 | $4,440.00 |
| 3–4 years (3 periods) | 30% | +$55.50 | $240.50 | $6,660.00 |
| 5–6 years (5 periods) | 50% | +$92.50 | $277.50 | $11,100.00 |
| 10+ years (10 periods) | 100% | +$185.00 | $370.00 | $22,200.00 |
Based on 2026 standard Part B premium of $185.00/month. Actual amounts vary as the standard premium adjusts annually.
How to Avoid the Part B Penalty
Enroll During Your IEP
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window centered on your 65th birthday. Enrolling during this window guarantees no penalty.
Learn about the IEPMaintain Creditable Coverage
If you're still working with employer coverage (20+ employees), you can delay Part B penalty-free. Get a creditable coverage letter from your HR department.
Working past 65 guideUse Your Special Enrollment Period
When your employer coverage ends, you get an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B without penalty.
About Special EnrollmentDon't Wait for the GEP
The General Enrollment Period (Jan 1–Mar 31) is a fallback, but coverage doesn't start until July 1 and you'll still face the penalty. Avoid it if possible.
About the GEPFrequently Asked Questions
Part B Penalty Quick Facts
- 10% penalty per full 12-month period of delay
- Penalty is permanent — lasts your entire Medicare lifetime
- 2026 standard premium: $185.00/month
- Creditable employer coverage protects you from penalties
- GEP runs Jan 1–Mar 31; coverage starts July 1
Free Medicare Help
Speak with a licensed agent who can review your specific situation and help you avoid or minimize penalties.
(888) 335-8996