Part B Late Enrollment Penalty Calculator
If you didn't sign up for Medicare Part B when you were first eligible — and you didn't have other qualifying coverage — you'll pay a penalty for as long as you have Medicare. Use this calculator to estimate your penalty.
Popular next steps
How long did you delay Part B?
Enter the time you were eligible for Part B but didn't sign up. Don't count months you had employer coverage.
Enter your delay period to see
your estimated penalty
How the Part B penalty is calculated
Medicare charges a 10% penalty for each full 12-month period you were eligible for Part B but didn't sign up. The penalty is based on the standard Part B premium, which is $202.90 in 2026.
Medicare counts how many full 12-month periods you could have had Part B but didn't sign up. Partial years don't count — if you delayed 25 months, that's only 2 full periods.
Your penalty percentage is 10% multiplied by the number of full 12-month periods. Two periods = 20% penalty. Five periods = 50% penalty.
The penalty percentage is applied to the standard Part B premium and added to your monthly bill. This penalty continues for as long as you have Medicare Part B — there's no end date.
When the penalty doesn't apply
You won't face a penalty if you had qualifying coverage during the time you didn't have Part B. Qualifying coverage includes:
| Coverage type | Qualifies? |
|---|---|
| Employer/union coverage (current employment) | ✓ Yes |
| Spouse's employer coverage (current employment) | ✓ Yes |
| TRICARE | ✓ Yes |
| Federal Employee Health Benefits (current employment) | ✓ Yes |
| COBRA continuation coverage | ✗ No |
| Retiree health coverage | ✗ No |
| Marketplace (ACA) plans | ✗ No |
| VA health benefits (in most cases) | ✗ No |
The key distinction is current employment. If your employer coverage is based on active work (for you or your spouse), it counts. If it's retiree coverage or COBRA, it doesn't protect you from the penalty.
Not sure if you'll face a penalty?
The rules around qualifying coverage and Special Enrollment Periods can be confusing. Our licensed team can review your specific situation and help you understand your options.
Get free helpThis tool provides educational information only and is not a substitute for official Medicare guidance. Penalty calculations are estimates based on current CMS rates. For official enrollment assistance, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit Medicare.gov.