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Part B Penalty Estimator
If you don't sign up for Part B when first eligible and don't have creditable coverage, a permanent penalty is added to your premium — 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't. The penalty lasts as long as you have Part B. Use the estimator below, and we'll show you how to avoid it entirely.
How it adds up
The penalty is 10% of the standard Part B premium for every full 12 months you delayed without creditable coverage, added for life. For example, delaying about 3 years adds roughly 30% to your Part B premium permanently. It grows the longer you wait.
How to avoid it
Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, or keep creditable employer coverage from a large employer and use a Special Enrollment Period when that coverage ends. The mistake we most often see is dropping employer coverage without enrolling in Part B in time — we track your dates so that never happens to you.
Questions, answered
How do I avoid the Part B penalty?
Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, or keep creditable employer coverage and use a Special Enrollment Period when it ends. We track your dates so you don't slip.
Is the Part B penalty really permanent?
Yes — once it applies, it's added to your premium for as long as you have Part B. That's why timing is so important, and why we help you get it right.
I had employer coverage — do I still owe a penalty?
Usually not, if that coverage was creditable and from a large employer, and you enroll during your Special Enrollment Period. We confirm your situation to be sure.
Official Medicare sources
We point you to the federal sources so you can verify everything. For current-year figures and to compare the plans available in your area:
- Medicare.gov — the official U.S. government site for Medicare costs, coverage, and rules.
- Medicare Plan Compare — the official tool to compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans by ZIP.
- Social Security (ssa.gov) — enroll in Medicare Parts A & B and check your eligibility.
- CMS.gov — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which runs the program.
Education and estimates only — confirm current figures on Medicare.gov before enrolling. We do not offer every plan available in your area.
Talk to a local Medicare advisor
Free, no pressure — we compare your options for you.
Last updated . Maintained by the Medicare On Main Data Desk · reviewed by Brian Penner, Independent Medicare advisor (NPN 16493717).