What Will Delaying Medicare Cost You?
Both Part B and Part D penalties are permanent — they're added to your premium for as long as you have coverage. Calculate both below.
Part B Late Enrollment Penalty
Your monthly Part B penalty
Part B penalty: 10% of the standard premium ($202.90 in 2026) for each full 12-month period you were eligible but not enrolled. Partial years don't count.
Part D Late Enrollment Penalty
Your monthly Part D penalty
Part D penalty: 1% of the national base premium ($38.99 in 2026) × months without coverage, rounded to the nearest $0.10. The penalty recalculates each year as the base premium changes.
Important Disclaimer
CaliforniaMedicare.com is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), or the federal Medicare program. This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only, using figures published in the CMS 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles fact sheet (November 14, 2025). Results are not an official determination of your premiums, penalties, or eligibility — only the Social Security Administration and CMS can make official determinations, which depend on your individual records. Verify your specific amounts at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Part B penalty really permanent?
Yes. The 10%-per-year penalty stays on your premium for as long as you have Part B. The only common exception is proving you had creditable employer coverage during the gap using Form CMS-L564.
How is the Part D penalty calculated?
1% of the national base beneficiary premium ($38.99 in 2026) multiplied by the number of months you lacked creditable drug coverage, rounded to the nearest $0.10.
Does COBRA stop the penalty clock?
No. COBRA is not creditable coverage for Part B purposes. The Part B Special Enrollment Period clock starts when active employment coverage ends, not when COBRA ends.