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2026 Medicare Penalty Calculator

Delaying Medicare enrollment without understanding the rules and impact can set you up for a lifetime of penalties. Use our calculator below to learn what penalties could cost you — and read on to ensure you avoid them
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Medicare Late Enrollment Penalty Calculator

If you didn't sign up for Medicare Part B or Part D when you were first eligible, you may owe a monthly penalty that lasts as long as you have coverage. Use the calculators below to estimate what your penalty could be.

Part B Late Enrollment Penalty

The penalty is 10% of the standard premium for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't.

Count the months between when you were first eligible for Part B (usually at age 65) and when you actually enrolled — excluding any months you had coverage through an employer group health plan.

The standard Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90. This is pre-filled but you can adjust it.

Enter your details and click "Calculate" to see your estimated Part B penalty.

Your Estimated Monthly Penalty
$0.00
added to your Part B premium each month
How We Calculated This
Months without Part B
Full 12-month periods
Penalty rate (10% × periods)
Standard monthly premium
Monthly penalty
Total Monthly Part B Cost
Long-Term Impact

This penalty is permanent — you'll pay it for as long as you have Part B.

Talk to an Advisor About Your Options →

Part D Late Enrollment Penalty

The penalty is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for each full month you went without creditable drug coverage after your initial enrollment period.

Count the full, continuous months (63 days or more) that you went without Part D or other creditable prescription drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period ended.

The national base beneficiary premium for 2026 is $38.99. This changes each year, and your penalty is recalculated annually.

Enter your details and click "Calculate" to see your estimated Part D penalty.

Your Estimated Monthly Penalty
$0.00
added to your Part D premium each month
How We Calculated This
Months without creditable coverage
Penalty rate (1% × months)
National base premium
Unrounded penalty
Rounded to nearest $0.10
Annual Recalculation

The Part D penalty is recalculated each year based on the current national base beneficiary premium — so the dollar amount may change annually, but the percentage stays the same.

Talk to an Advisor About Your Options →

Understanding Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties

Why Do Penalties Exist?

Medicare penalties encourage people to enroll when they're first eligible. Without them, people might wait until they need coverage, which would increase costs for everyone in the program.

When Can You Avoid the Part B Penalty?

You won't face a Part B penalty if you delayed enrollment because you (or your spouse) had coverage through a current employer's group health plan. You'll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period when that coverage ends.

What Counts as "Creditable" Drug Coverage?

Creditable coverage means your existing prescription plan is expected to pay, on average, at least as much as Medicare's standard Part D plan. Your plan is required to tell you each year whether it's creditable.

Can a Penalty Be Removed?

In rare cases, you may qualify for an exception — for example, if you received incorrect information from an employer or insurer. A UMA advisor can help you determine if you have grounds to appeal.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Actual penalty amounts are determined by Medicare (CMS) and may differ based on your specific enrollment history, creditable coverage status, and other factors. Premium amounts are based on 2026 standard rates and change annually. Contact Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE) or speak with a licensed UMA advisor for a definitive determination of any penalties that may apply to your situation.
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