Medicare Late Enrollment
Penalties in Florida 2026
Medicare penalties are permanent and can cost thousands of dollars over your lifetime. Learn exactly how to avoid every one of them.
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The Three Medicare Penalties You Must Avoid
Two of these three penalties are permanent — they follow you for the rest of your Medicare life.
Part B Penalty
For every 12-month period you were eligible for Part B but did not enroll, your Part B premium increases by 10% — permanently. If you delayed 2 years, your premium is 20% higher for life.
- Still covered by employer group health plan (employer 20+ employees)
- Covered under spouse's active employer plan
- Enrolled in TRICARE or VA coverage
Part D Penalty
For every month you go without creditable drug coverage after becoming eligible for Part D, your premium increases by 1% of the national base beneficiary premium ($36.78 in 2026).
- Had creditable drug coverage from employer or VA
- Enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage
- Qualify for Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy)
Medigap Penalty
Medigap has a 6-month Open Enrollment Period starting when you first enroll in Part B at age 65. After this window closes, insurers can charge higher premiums or deny coverage based on health history.
- Guaranteed issue rights apply in certain situations (losing employer coverage, plan leaving market)
- Florida has some additional protections for Medigap enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions — Medicare Penalties in Florida
How do I avoid the Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty in Florida?
Enroll in Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7 months centered on your 65th birthday). If you have qualifying employer coverage, you can delay Part B without penalty — but you must enroll within 8 months of losing that coverage.
Is the Medicare Part B penalty really permanent?
Yes. The Part B late enrollment penalty lasts for as long as you have Medicare Part B. There is no way to remove it once it is applied, except in very limited circumstances involving incorrect information from Social Security.
What counts as creditable drug coverage for Part D?
Creditable coverage is drug coverage that is at least as good as Medicare Part D. This includes most employer group health plans, TRICARE, VA drug benefits, and FEHB plans. Your plan administrator must provide you with a notice of creditable coverage each year.
Can I get a Medicare penalty waived in Florida?
In rare cases, penalties can be waived if you were given incorrect information by Social Security or Medicare. You must file a reconsideration request with documentation. William can help you assess whether you have grounds for a waiver.
What is the Medigap Open Enrollment Period in Florida?
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the 6-month period starting the first month you are both 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this window, no insurer can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on health history. Florida law provides some additional protections beyond federal rules.
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