Tools
Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalty Calculator
Medicare charges a late enrollment penalty when you skip Part B at first eligibility and don't have coverage through a job you or your spouse still actively works. The surcharge gets added to your monthly premium, and for most San Antonio retirees it never goes away on its own.
Run the numbers below for a quick estimate, then read the notes to see whether the penalty even applies to your situation.
- 10% added for each full 12 months delayed
- The surcharge usually lasts as long as you carry Part B
- Active employer coverage protects you from the penalty
Estimate
Calculate your Part B penalty
Enter your details
Only count months with no coverage from an employer you or your spouse actively worked for.
Use the current year's standard premium as published by Medicare.
Estimated penalty
- Full 12-month periods delayed
- 1
- Penalty rate
- 10%
- Added each month
- $18.50
- Added each year
- $222.00
- Your estimated total premium
- $203.50
This is an estimate only. Medicare calculates the penalty as 10% of the standard premium for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't, and it generally applies for as long as you carry Part B.
Context
When the penalty does and doesn't apply
You're protected while covered by group health insurance tied to current employment, either yours or your spouse's. Retiree coverage, COBRA and marketplace plans don't count, and neither does TRICARE for Life on its own once active employment has ended. When that employment ends, you get an eight-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B without a penalty.
Drug coverage carries its own separate penalty. If you're weighing whether to delay, read about Part D drug plans too, and check the full list of mistakes to avoid.
San Antonio Senior Insurance is not a government agency
This calculator gives an educational estimate and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. For an official determination, contact Social Security.
Think you may already owe a penalty?
Call us before you enroll. In some cases an equitable relief request or a Special Enrollment Period still applies.