UTAH MEDICAREMADE EASYUTAH MEDICAREMADE EASYMost late-enrollment penalties last as long as you keep that coverage. The usual way to avoid them is to take Part D (or other creditable drug coverage) when you first get Medicare, and to take Part B when you first become eligible unless you have qualifying employer coverage. Figures below use official 2026 Medicare amounts.
How to avoid it: join a Part D plan (or keep other creditable drug coverage) when you first get Medicare, and do not go 63 days or more without that coverage.
If you miss that, Medicare adds 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for each full uncovered month. In 2026 that base is $38.99. Rounded to the nearest $0.10 and added to your plan premium for as long as you have Part D.
Creditable drug coverage usually prevents this. Extra Help wipes out a Part D penalty.
How to avoid it: sign up for Part B when you first become eligible, or stay on qualifying coverage from a current employer (or spouse’s current employer) and use a Special Enrollment Period when that coverage ends.
If you wait without that protection, Medicare adds 10% of the standard Part B premium for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B. In 2026 the standard premium is $202.90.
Only complete 12-month blocks count. The extra amount usually lasts as long as you have Part B.
Official rules: medicare.gov avoid-penalties.