What does enrolling late really cost?
Medicare's late-enrollment penalties aren't one-time fees — they're added to your premium and most last for life. Estimate yours in a few seconds, or see how to avoid one entirely.
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For education only. Estimates use Medicare's published penalty formulas and verified 2026 figures: the Part B penalty adds 10% of the standard premium ($202.90) for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't — for life; the Part D penalty adds 1% of the national base beneficiary premium ($38.99 for 2026) for each month without creditable drug coverage (there's a 63-day grace period), for as long as you have Part D. Both round to the nearest 10¢ and are recalculated each year. Your actual penalty depends on your record and any creditable coverage — the official determination comes from Social Security / your plan. Sources: CMS 2026 premium announcements.
The Part B penalty, in plain English
Skip Part B without other creditable coverage and your premium goes up 10% for every full year you waited — forever. Wait three years, pay about 30% extra every month for the rest of your life. The fix: enroll on time, or keep proof of employer coverage for a penalty-free Special Enrollment Period.
The sneaky one: Part D
The drug-plan penalty grows every month — 1% of the national base premium per month without creditable drug coverage. Even if you take no medications today, a cheap Part D plan can be smart insurance against a lifetime surcharge. An agent can show you the math for your situation.
Ask an agent — it's freeWorried you're already late?
Don't guess — there are exceptions and appeal paths, and the sooner you act, the smaller the damage. Let's look at your situation together.