What to Do If You Miss a Medicare Enrollment Deadline

If you miss the initial Medicare enrollment period, you may be able to sign up for Medicare during a special enrollment period. However, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

The following are some special enrollment periods:

If you are still working and have health insurance through your employer, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare until you retire or lose your job.

If you are not eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance, you may be able to enroll in Medicare even if you have missed the initial enrollment period.

If you have a disability, you may be able to enroll in Medicare before you reach age 65.

If you have lost your health insurance, you may be able to enroll in Medicare during a special enrollment period.

If you have a life-changing event, you may be able to enroll in Medicare during a special enrollment period.

To find out if you are eligible for a special enrollment period, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office. You can also find more information about Medicare enrollment on the SSA website at www.ssa.gov/medicare.

If you miss a Medicare enrollment deadline and have to pay a late enrollment penalty, the amount of the penalty will depend on how long you have been without Medicare coverage. The penalty will be added to your monthly Medicare Part B premium.

The following is a table that shows the late enrollment penalty for Medicare Part B:

Years Without Medicare Part B Coverage Penalty Per Month**

1 10%

2 20%

3 or more 30%

For example, if you miss your initial Medicare Part B enrollment period by 1 year, you will have to pay a late enrollment penalty of 10% of the standard Part B premium. This means that your monthly Part B premium will be increased by 10%.

If you miss your initial Medicare enrollment period by 1 year, you will have to pay a late enrollment penalty of 10% of the standard Part B premium. This means that your monthly Part B premium will be increased by 10%.

If you have missed a Medicare enrollment deadline and are not sure if you are eligible for a special enrollment period, you should contact the SSA. They will be able to help you determine your eligibility and enroll you in Medicare.