Nobody wants to spend more than they have to on their healthcare coverage (or anything else, for that matter). So, if you’re eligible for Medicare, make sure you’re enrolled in Part B (medical insurance) and Part D (prescription drug coverage). If you wait too long, you’ll end up paying more than you should.

Why there’s a penalty

It takes a lot of money and resources to run Medicare. But making sure that Medicare is available to everyone who needs it — today and in the future—is something from which many may benefit. That’s why enrolling in Parts B & D as soon as we’re eligible is so important.

The reason is simple — if everyone waited until they were sick to enroll in Part B or Part D, Medicare would never be able to sustain itself. The cost of paying for care for individuals who are ill and/or require expensive medications would far outstrip the amount of money taken in by Medicare in the form of premiums and taxes. That’s why Medicare needs everyone to begin paying their premiums for Parts B and D as soon as they’re eligible so there’s enough money to care for everyone when they need it.

Understanding enrollment in Medicare Part B

If you began receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits at least four months before turning 65, you're automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

There are instances, however, when you may not be enrolled in Part B. This may be because you, or your spouse, have other health insurance through an employer. Or maybe you had Part B at one time, and then dropped it when you got other insurance.

Whatever the case, if you have no other insurance and you’re eligible for Part B, you must enroll to avoid a penalty.

How much is the late enrollment penalty for Part B?

For every 12-month period you don’t enroll in Part B when you’re eligible, you’ll pay an extra 10% of your monthly premium. If you didn’t enroll for two years, for example, you’d pay a penalty of 20% per month. Worst of all, you’ll continue to pay that penalty for as long as you have Medicare.

Keep in mind that Medicare has some special enrollment periods that may help you avoid a Part B late enrollment penalty.