I had Medicare Part B for one year, then dropped it when I took a job and re-enrolled a year later. Why was I charged three months of back premiums and a lifetime penalty that I’ve been paying since 2020?
Answered by 1 licensed agent
I can’t see your specific records, but a Part B late enrollment penalty applies when you were eligible for Part B and went without it, and without group health coverage based on current employment (yours or your spouse’s), for 12 months or more. Other coverage, like COBRA, retiree plans, or marketplace plans, doesn’t count. If you had qualifying job-based coverage during the gap, those months shouldn’t count toward the penalty, but you’ll need to prove it. Ask your employer’s HR to complete their part of the CMS-L564 form, and submit it to Social Security along with a request to review the penalty. Employer size can matter, so ask SSA whether it affects your situation. The appeal deadline is 60 days from receiving the penalty letter. If that’s passed, you can still ask whether a late request will be accepted for good cause, especially if documentation was missing or you were given wrong information.
Answered by Jason Kidwell on October 9, 2026
Agent Licensed in CA
Tags: Advice for Seniors Eligibility Medicare Part B
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