Updated October 2026 with current rules and numbers.
Missing a Medicare deadline can cost you every month, sometimes for life. Here’s how to sign up on time and avoid penalties, in plain English.
Know your Initial Enrollment Period
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday: it starts 3 months before your birthday month and ends 3 months after. Signing up during this window helps you avoid penalties.
How the penalties work
| Part | Penalty | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Part A (only if you pay a premium) | 10% higher premium | Twice the number of years you delayed |
| Part B | 10% for each full 12 months you could have had Part B but didn’t | For as long as you have Part B |
| Part D | 1% of the national base premium for each month without creditable drug coverage | For as long as you have Part D |
Penalty rules come from Medicare.gov.
Example: if you delay Part B by 2 full years without other qualifying coverage, you pay 20% more. Based on the 2026 premium of $202.90 (CMS), that’s about $40.58 extra every month.
Short on time? Book a free 30-minute Medicare check-up and we’ll do the comparing for you.
Special Enrollment Periods that protect you
- Job-based coverage ends: if you or your spouse had group coverage from current work, you have 8 months after it ends (or the job ends) to sign up for Part B without a penalty (Social Security).
- Moving: you may be able to change Medicare Advantage or drug plans if you move out of your plan’s area.
- Losing Medicaid or Extra Help can also open a window to change drug coverage.
How to use the Part B Special Enrollment Period
- Fill out Form CMS-40B (the Part B application) (CMS).
- Have your employer complete Form CMS-L564 to prove your group coverage.
- Apply online or send both forms to Social Security (Social Security).
Avoid these mistakes
- Assuming you’re signed up automatically. If you’re not getting Social Security yet, you usually need to sign up yourself.
- Assuming your drug coverage is “creditable.” Ask your employer for a written notice.
- Waiting until the last month. Paperwork can take time.
Not sure if your Medicare plan still fits?
Book a 30-minute Medicare check-up. A licensed agent reviews your doctors, prescriptions, and costs, then tells you plainly whether to stay or switch. No cost and no obligation.
Book My Medicare Check-Up or call (786) 730-9658
Prefer to read first? Download the 2027 Medicare Check-Up Checklist.
Sources
- Medicare.gov: Avoid late enrollment penalties
- CMS: 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles
- Social Security: Sign up for Part B only
- CMS: Form CMS-40B, Application for Enrollment in Part B
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 4 organizations which offer 57 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Simple Start Insurance is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage organizations and stand-alone prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This article is general information.
