What does it cost to delay Part B or Part D?
If you don't sign up for Part B or a drug plan when you're first eligible, and you don't have other qualifying coverage, Medicare adds a penalty to your premium. For most people it lasts as long as they have that coverage. Use these calculators to see what a delay could cost.
Part B Late Enrollment Penalty Calculator
The Part B penalty is 10% of the standard premium for each full 12 months you could have had Part B but didn't.
Count the months after your Initial Enrollment Period ended. Don't count months when you had group health coverage from your own or your spouse's current job.
Used only for the long-term total.
- Full 12-month periods late
- 2
- Penalty
- 20%
- 2026 standard premium
- $202.90
- Your premium with penalty
- $243.50
- Extra per year
- $487.20
- Extra over 20 years
- $9,744.00
Based on the 2026 standard Part B premium of $202.90. Medicare rounds your premium to the nearest 10 cents. The penalty grows each year as the standard premium goes up, so the long-term total is likely higher.
Part D Late Enrollment Penalty Calculator
The Part D penalty is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for each full month you went without creditable drug coverage. It's added to your drug plan's monthly premium.
Count full months after your Initial Enrollment Period ended without Part D, a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, or other creditable coverage. A gap counts only if it lasted 63 days or more.
Used only for the long-term total.
- Penalty
- 14%
- National base premium
- $41.33
- Extra per year
- $69.60
- Extra over 20 years
- $1,392.00
Medicare rounds the penalty to the nearest 10 cents. The base premium changes every year, so your penalty can change too. It stays with you even if you switch plans.
- you had group health coverage from your own or your spouse's current job when you delayed Part B, and you sign up within 8 months after that job or coverage ends;
- your drug coverage was creditable, meaning it was expected to pay at least as much as Medicare's standard drug coverage (your plan sends a yearly notice saying so);
- you qualify for Extra Help with drug costs, or for a Medicare Savings Program.
Not sure if a penalty applies to you?
We'll look at your dates and coverage with you and help you avoid a penalty you don't need to pay. Online bookings are free plan reviews by phone. To meet in person, please call us to schedule.
Phillip Dunson · Dunson Healthcare Solutions™ · Health Plan Superstore®
These calculators give estimates for education only. Social Security decides any Part B penalty, and your drug plan tells you about any Part D penalty after you enroll. Higher-income people also pay an income-related amount (IRMAA), which isn't included here. Figures from Medicare.gov and CMS.