How to Avoid Medicare Penalties for Late Enrollment

Turning 65 or approaching retirement? Enrolling in Medicare on time is critical—not just to ensure coverage, but also to avoid costly penalties that could follow you for life. Many New Yorkers are unaware that missing key Medicare deadlines can lead to higher premiums, sometimes permanently.

At Secure Safer Insurance Agency, we provide free, multilingual consultations to guide you through timely Medicare enrollment—so you can avoid penalties and maximize your benefits.

Why Do Medicare Penalties Exist?

Medicare is designed to provide affordable health coverage starting at age 65. However, if you delay enrolling in Part B (medical insurance) or Part D (prescription drug coverage) without having other creditable coverage, the government may charge you a late enrollment penalty.

These penalties increase the longer you wait—and in many cases, they never go away.

Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalty

When it applies:
If you don’t sign up for Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)—a 7-month window around your 65th birthday—and you don’t have employer-sponsored coverage, you may face a penalty.

The penalty:
You’ll pay an extra 10% for each 12-month period you were eligible for Part B but didn’t enroll.
🔁 This is added to your monthly premium for life.

Example:
If you wait 2 years to enroll, your premium will increase by 20% permanently.

Medicare Part D Late Enrollment Penalty

When it applies:
If you don’t have creditable drug coverage (like from an employer or union) for 63 consecutive days or more after your Initial Enrollment Period, you’ll pay a penalty.

The penalty:
You’ll owe 1% of the “national base premium” ($34.70 in 2025) multiplied by the number of months you delayed coverage.
📌 This amount is added to your Part D premium each month for as long as you have Medicare drug coverage.

How to Avoid These Penalties

1. Know Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

You can enroll in Medicare starting 3 months before your 65th birthday, including your birth month, and for 3 months after—a 7-month window. Don’t miss it.

2. Enroll on Time—Even if You’re Healthy

Many people delay Part B or D because they don’t need medical services or take medications. But Medicare penalties aren’t based on your health—they’re based on timing.

3. Have Creditable Coverage If You Delay

If you’re still working and have insurance through your employer (or spouse’s), you may delay Part B or D without penalty—but your employer plan must meet Medicare’s standards for “creditable coverage.”

✅ Ask your HR department for a Creditable Coverage Letter every year to keep as proof.

4. Get Help From a Licensed Agent

At Secure Safer, our agents help you understand exactly when to enroll, which parts to choose, and how to coordinate with other coverage. No guesswork. No penalties.

Languages We Support

Our licensed agents offer consultations in:

English, Español, বাংলা, हिन्दी, اردو, العربية, नेपाली, and Wolof—so no matter your background, you can feel confident and informed.

Ready to Enroll Without Penalties?

Let us guide you through a penalty-free Medicare enrollment process:

📱 Call Secure Safer at 646-444-2020
🌐 Or visit www.securesafer.com to book your free consultation.

We’re here to help you enroll on time, avoid mistakes, and protect your healthcare—and your wallet.

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