Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?

Question

Luis Daza · Accepted Answer

Yes, you may be penalized in two ways or reasons. If you don't have credible health insurance coverage, you will be punished for not having Part B once you turn 65; this is called the Part B enrollment penalty, applicable if you don't have credible health insurance in place. Second, you will be penalized if you don't have credible health insurance with prescription drug coverage in place by the time you qualify for Medicare. You must pay these penalties each month for the rest of your life.

Answered by Luis Daza on March 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, CA, CO & 8 other states

Answered by Luis Daza Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

Yes for most of us! However, if you are on a qualified Medicare group insurance plan through your employment or retired under a Medicare-recognized retirement health insurance group plan, such as a Fedblue retirement plan, there are no penalties until you leave these circumstances. Again, a trustworthy agent can explain this in detail.

Answered by Larry Dalton on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

William Lawler · Answer

You will only be penalized if you do not enroll in Part B when first eligible and then try to enroll at a later date. You can postpone enrolling in Part B if you maintain creditable health coverage through your employer.

Answered by William Lawler on March 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, FL, IA & 12 other states

Answered by William Lawler Medicare Insurance Agent

Melonie Wood · Answer

No, If you are still on an employer plan, otherwise a person turning 65 MUST sign up for Medicare. You can sign up 3 months before, the month of your birthday & 3 months after. You have 7 months to sign up for Medicare

Answered by Melonie Wood on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & AL

Answered by Melonie Wood Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Moore · Answer

If you don’t enroll in Medicare at 65 without qualifying employer coverage, you’ll face a 10% Part B premium penalty per year delayed, and it’s permanent. It’s unfortunate that Medicare doesn’t do more to clarify these consequences or provide better access to this info, leaving it to folks like me in the industry to educate clients. Without an active group plan, that Initial Enrollment Period is your window to avoid the hit.

Answered by Brian Moore on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Tasha Riggs · Answer

Yes 
Part A is free and it is a 10% penalty if you don't sign up for that 
Part B cost 185 a month.  
Part D for Drugs : The fine is 1% each month so 12% each year 
I would go to www.ssa.gov 3 months before apply for A and B 
If you want to keep your work plan  you do not have to sign up for B. However, even though you can keep your work plan and it maybe no cost, Medicare has stronger coverage and your costs when you use it will be lower. 
I would find a local broker you can trust and talk to them. 
I am also always available so you can talk through it to see which way is best for you

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

You certainly could be. You must be able to either prove you have medical and prescription drug coverage or get bothPart A and B and a drug plan Part D

Joseph Bachmeier · Answer

You will not incur a penalty as long as you have credible coverage such as an employer group plan. If you turn 65 and do not have credible coverage for over 60-days then you will incur a penalty.

Brian Krantz · Answer

Maybe. It depends if you’re still working and your employer has 20 or more employees. If not, you could face late penalties — so it’s important to review your situation before delaying.

James Carlson · Answer

Yes!  There are penalties for not enrolling at age 65 in both medical and the drug plans.  
Thes can be life time penalties that raise your cost of care.

Christopher Boyd · Answer

You may be penalized in you don't meet certain criteria such a active credible coverage in your state, which may exempt you from enrolling into Medicare while employed and receiving group insurance. Never assume one way or the other. If in doubt, call 1(800)MEDICARE.

Answered by Christopher Boyd on March 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN, KY, MI, OH, PA & TN

Answered by Christopher Boyd Medicare Insurance Agent

Kelsey Hentzen · Answer

Yes, you can be penalized if you do not enroll in Medicare when you turn 65. However, if you are on group/work insurance, you may not need to apply for Medicare. Its always a good idea to check with your current employer that you have credible coverage. If you are on Marketplace Insurance or have 20 or fewer employee's, you will need to enroll in Medicare.

Answered by Kelsey Hentzen on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in KS & MO

Answered by Kelsey Hentzen Medicare Insurance Agent

Christy Jones · Answer

As long as you have ‘credible coverage’ (for example, coverage with an employer group plan) you will not be penalized for delaying your Medicare enrollment.

Christopher Palazzini · Answer

Not if you are disenrolling from you or your spouses credible employer coverage. 

If you do not enroll when first eligible and you have no proof of credible work coverage, you will be penalized.

Cynthia Nakaya · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/will-i-be-penalized-if-i-do-not-enroll-in-medicare-when-i-turn-65#cynthia-irene-nakaya

Daniel Maisel · Answer

To make it simply..... NO!

The penalty you refer to only applies to person that does not have qualified Mesocal Insurance at all.

What most Certifies Healthcare Agents would suggest is to at least start Medicare Part A (Hospitals).

Part A does not usually cost you anything, as long as you worked a minimum time in your career.

Feel free to call me or another qualified Medicare Agent.

Bryan Smith · Answer

Yes and No. It all depends on your current situation. If you don't have creditable coverage, delaying Medicare at 65 may lead to permanent late enrollment penalties.

Deborah Lee · Answer

If you have current, credible coverage through a group health plan, you will not incur a penalty. However, there are variables, so check with an advisor to establish your situation.

Mary Turner · Answer

You can be penalized if you don't take Medicare at 65.  If, however, you have what's considered "creditable coverage" through an employer, you will NOT be subject to a penalty if you enroll later.

Pamela Camey · Answer

Yes, you will most likely face a penalty if you do not enroll in Medicare Part B medical insurance when you are first eligible, which is during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).  Initial Enrollment period starts 3 months before your birthday, month of your birthday and then 3 months after your birthday.   There are some exceptions to this rule.   If you continue to be employed and your employer is providing you creditable health Insurance, you may waive signing up for Part B.

If you do not enroll in Part B during your initial enrollment period, or have creditable coverage, you will be required to pay a penalty for each 12-month period that you delay enrollment.  The penalty is 10% of the standard monthly premium for each 12-month period of delay.  You will pay this penalty as long as you have part B coverage.

There is a similar penalty for Part D (prescription drug coverage) if you do not have creditable drug coverage and delay enrollment.

There are also a few situations where you may have to pay a penalty for part A (hospital insurance) also called premium-Part A.

Kathryn Zekas · Answer

If you don't enroll in Medicare when you turn 65 (without qualifying employer coverage), you'll face a 10% Part B premium penalty per year delayed, which is permanent. 
However, if you continue to work after age 65 and have health insurance from your employer, you can usually sign up for Medicare after your employer coverage ends without paying a penalty. It's a good idea to talk to a local licensed Medicare Broker about your individual situation to make sure.

Darlene Murphy · Answer

You May be penalized if you do not have other creditable coverage at the time you were to enroll. If you or your spouse are still working, you are able to defer Part B when you turn 65.

Alison Hummel · Answer

You can be penalized for late enrollment in Part B and D unless you have "creditable coverage," (deemed as good as Medicare).

Nolan Popel · Answer

Yes, you could face penalties if you don’t enroll in Medicare Part B when you turn 65 unless you have other qualifying health coverage like through an employer, group or union.

Steven Maicus II · Answer

Yes, you will likely be penalized if you don't enroll in Medicare Part B when you're first eligible, which is when you turn 65. You'll pay a penalty on your monthly Part B premium for as long as you have Part B, and the penalty increases for each 12-month period you delay enrollment. 

Here's why and how it works:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):
You're first eligible to enroll in Medicare Part A and B during your IEP, which starts three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after your 65th birthday. 

Steve,

Frank Souk · Answer

As long as you have insurance coverage deemed creditable by Medicare, you can delay your Medicare enrollment past 65 without a penalty.

William Kravit · Answer

It depends.  If you are currently covered under an employer group health plan (EGHP) that's larger than 20 full-time employees or part time equivalents, then no you will not be penalized as long as when you lose that EGHP you then sign up for Medicare Parts A and B.  

If you are covered under a small group less than 20 in size, or coming off an individual plan like Marketplace, then yes you may be penalized by not enrolling in Medicare during the time period that you have to do it.

Edward Allen · Answer

That all depends on your individual situation and whether or not you are enrolled in a credible health insurance plan in which you would not be required to enroll in Medicare Part B. or involuntary or voluntary disenrolled from a health plan at the time you turn 65 you have a 8 month period to enroll into Medicare Part without having a Part B late enrollment penalty accessed

Answered by Edward Allen on March 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA & TN

Answered by Edward Allen Medicare Insurance Agent

Tonya Bell · Answer

That depends on if you are still working or if you have other creditable coverage through an employer or spouses employer. You don't want to enrol in A or B if you still have an HSA you are contributing to.

Answered by Tonya Bell on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in SC, AZ, CT & 16 other states

Answered by Tonya Bell Medicare Insurance Agent

Charles Wheeler · Answer

A big concern for people as they turn 65 is if they DO NOT enroll in Medicare they will be penalized. It is a common misnomer. The truth is someone will be penalized if (1) They do not enroll in Medicare when first eligible AND (2) They DO NOT have credible coverage from another source (employer, spousal coverage, etc). If you continue to work, or have insurance through your spouse, (as long as it is creditable) you WILL NOT be penalized.

Answered by Charles Wheeler on February 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in MA, CT, FL & 7 other states

Answered by Charles Wheeler Medicare Insurance Agent

Marc Carr · Answer

It depends...once you leave employer health insurance from the workplace, you have an 8 month window to enroll into Medicare without a late enrollment penalty for Medical, Part B coverage. But if your 65, still working and have employer coverage, you may delay your Medicare enrollment in order to stay on employer health insurance.

Answered by Marc Carr on March 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, IL & MS

Answered by Marc Carr Medicare Insurance Agent

Marye Carr · Answer

No, but you must keep creditable prescription drug coverage, if not, you will be penalized for those months that you had no coverage when you apply for Medicare.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

If you are covered by an employer plan, you only need Medicare Part A for hospital coverage which is FREE. Once you retire, you will need to pick up Part B (outpatient) with a monthly premium. However, once you join Medicare, you will have to acquire a Part D(rug) plan immediately or a penalty will ensue!

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Timothy Brown · Answer

It depends on whether you’re currently insured by a group employer insurance plan. If you are, then the answer is NO because the group insurance is deemed as creditable coverage which means you will not be penalized for not signing up for Medicare when or after you turn 65. Signing up for Medicare is only required if an individual 65 or older has no medical insurance at all.

Answered by Timothy Brown on May 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 15 other states

Answered by Timothy Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Gregg Matheny · Answer

Yes. Unless you have what Medicare considers “credible coverage” (coverage at the providers office and coverage at the pharmacy) from an employer plan. If you turn 65 and have employer coverage, you will still get Medicare part A (in most cases for free) But will not have to pay for Medicare part B And your Employer coverage will be primary.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Pyers · Answer

Depends, If, you work for an employer that has more than 20 employees and coverage as good as Medicare. That would be considered Creditable coverage, and you could hold off until that coverage ends. However, if you have 40 quarters of paying into Medicare, it would be wise to go ahead and sign up for part A since there would be no premium.

Answered by Michael Pyers on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH & MI

Answered by Michael Pyers Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Barnes, CMIP® · Answer

Maybe.  It depends on WHY you choose to delay your enrollment.

If you delay your Medicare enrollment because your have coverage at work, possibly including a Health Savings Account that you contribute to for the tax benefits, you will likely be able to delay enrollment in Part A, Part B or both A and B, and then enroll for those benefits at a later date, when the employee benefits expire - usually due to retirement in some form.  But don't delay when that coverage ends - you will have a limited amount of time to enroll without a penalty.

However, if you work for a small employer with fewer than 20 employees, you should not delay your Medicare benefits because your group health plan will be secondary to Medicare and you will need Medicare Parts A and B as your primary insurance, even if you continue with the group plan at work.

If you choose not to enroll for Medicare Parts A and B simply because you don't want it, or you don't think you need it, or you don't want to pay for it, then you will owe a penalty if you sign-up for it later, and you can only sign-up at a certain time of the year.  That will be bad if you get a cancer diagnosis and then must wait another 10-months to get Medicare coverage.

Every situation is different, so it is important to consult with a Medicare professional to get answers to your questions and help you decide what option is best in your particular situation.

John L Herman Jr · Answer

There are many possibilities to such an open question...every individual has a different situation and therefore you should consult a Medicare Broker as you approach that milestone birthday. Trying to navigate MEDICARE on your own is dangerous to your health plan. You may be working and have a Health Care Plan...you may not qualify due to your wok history...ar you may face penalties by making the wrong choices at 65. Contact an Independent Broker who WILL NOT CHARGE YOU and will make sure you get this right.

Answered by John L Herman Jr on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in MD, DE & PA

Answered by John L Herman Jr Medicare Insurance Agent

DeeDee Whitlock · Answer

Everyone's situation is different, If you are enrolled in an employer group plan with more than 20 employees no penalty will be accessed

Michael Yost · Answer

Someone could be penalized, depending on their situation. If someone has employer coverage, they may be able to stay on their employer plan without any penalties. That's something we help people with to see if they need to apply for Medicare or not. Each scenario is different.

Answered by Michael Yost on April 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, AL, AZ & 27 other states

Answered by Michael Yost Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Kim · Answer

That depends on if your going to continue to work, and if you have insurance through your company then no you will not be penalized. But if you do turn 65 and you have no insurance coverage then yes you will be penalized, but you have 6 months three months prior, 3 months after your birthday.

Answered by Michael Kim on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in NV, AR, AZ & 18 other states

Answered by Michael Kim Medicare Insurance Agent

Sean Davis · Answer

Yes, you may face penalties if you do not enroll in Medicare when you turn 65 and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Specifically, if you delay enrolling in Medicare Part B without having other creditable coverage, you could incur a late enrollment penalty of 10% for each full 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll. This penalty lasts for as long as you have Part B. For Part D, the late enrollment penalty applies if you go 63 days or more without any creditable prescription drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period. It's important to understand these timelines and penalties to ensure you have the necessary coverage without incurring extra costs.

Answered by Sean Davis on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, LA, MD & 6 other states

Answered by Sean Davis Medicare Insurance Agent

Deb Haley · Answer

Late enrollment penalties only apply if you do not enroll in Medicare parts A and B within 3 months after you turn 65 or within 63 days of your employer health coverage ending if you continue to work and are covered by the employer for health insurance after the age of 65.

Answered by Deb Haley on April 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in MA, CT, FL & 10 other states

Answered by Deb Haley Medicare Insurance Agent

Gretchen Morris · Answer

Only if you do NOT have creditible coverage according to Medicare.  Your human resources dept should be able to tell you this.

Paul Dzierzanowski · Answer

Possibly. If you do not enroll in Medicare typically around the 7 months surrounding your 65th birthday you may have to pay a penalty. This depends on factors such as whether or not you have other health insurance coverage that is similar to the coverage Medicare provides. Since you may be assessed a penalty for not having the proper coverage you should consult with a qualified Medicare insurance specialist to weigh all of your options.

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski on March 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski Medicare Insurance Agent

Becki Jennings · Answer

Yes you could, unless you have creditable coverage—typically through an employer with 20 or more employees.

Helena Foutz, RSSA · Answer

If you have some form of creditable coverage (medication coverage at least as good as that from a Medicare prescription drug plan), then you can stay on your plan if you like and not incur a penalty. If you do not have an employer group plan with creditable coverage, you could incur a Late Enrollment Penalty for Part B after 12 months and Part D for every month after your Initial Enrollment Period!

Answered by Helena Foutz, RSSA on March 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AK, AR & 12 other states

Answered by Helena Foutz, RSSA Medicare Insurance Agent

Lea Ayres · Answer

If you turn 65 and still working for a company that has at least 20 employees you will not be penalized for enrolling in Mediare. A penality will occur when you are 65 and go with out enrolling in medicare and at least having prescription drug plan.

Answered by Lea Ayres on March 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CT, MD & 8 other states

Answered by Lea Ayres Medicare Insurance Agent

Cody Brown · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/will-i-be-penalized-if-i-do-not-enroll-in-medicare-when-i-turn-65#cody-brown

James Stang · Answer

You need to be enrolled in Medicare when eligible or have credible coverage to not be penalized. Credible coverage is normally an employer plan or other group health plan.

Ryan Raphael · Answer

You will not be penalized if you are a spouse is still working and are a part of 20 or more employees. Then there are no penalties.

Robert Helmkamp II · Answer

If you or your spouse work for an employer that offers medical coverage you may delay enrolling in Medicare Part B. In any other situation you will penalized a late enrollment penalty if you do not sign up for Medicare when first eligible.

Answered by Robert Helmkamp II on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Robert Helmkamp II Medicare Insurance Agent

Christie Bondos · Answer

If you're eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 and don't have employer or spousal employer coverage you can face penalties. There are rules for creditable coverage which state the current plan must have over 20 full time employees and meet the standard model of coverage that is comparable to Medicare coverage. IF you're still working and not going to take Part B or D because your coverage meets the criteria you should be alright. You also have Initial Coverage Enrollment Periods that begin the 3 months before your birthday, the month of, and 3 months after. There is more to this so consult with a licensed agent who can educate you more also you can go on Medicare.Gov and look up Enrollment Periods and penalties

Answered by Christie Bondos on May 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in CT

Answered by Christie Bondos Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Orr · Answer

if you dont have credible coverage , yes you will be penalized for not starting your part b medical. and if you employer size is under 20 employees you must start you medicare part b at 65. most cases medicare parts A & B active with supplmentary would be cheaper than group.

Answered by Christopher Orr on June 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, KY, NC & VA

Answered by Christopher Orr Medicare Insurance Agent

Peter Yeh · Answer

Yes, you may face penalties for late enrollment in Medicare Part B if you don't enroll when first eligible and don't have creditable coverage from another source. The penalty is typically 10% of the Part B premium for each 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll, and you'll likely have to pay this penalty each month for as long as you have Part B.

Answered by Peter Yeh on March 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA & TX

Answered by Peter Yeh Medicare Insurance Agent

Maurice Ellis · Answer

Medicare penalties for late enrollment are extra costs you may have to pay if you delay signing up for certain parts of Medicare when you are first eligible. These penalties are typically added to your monthly premiums for as long as you have that coverage. 
Part A Late Enrollment Penalty: If you don't sign up for Part A when you're first eligible and have to pay a premium, you'll incur a 10% penalty on your monthly premium for each period you could have signed up but didn't. This penalty is applied for twice the number of years you delayed enrolling. 

Part B Late Enrollment Penalty: If you delay enrolling in Part B, you'll pay an extra 10% on your monthly premium for each full 12-month period you could have signed up but didn't. This penalty continues as long as you have Part B coverage. 

Part D Late Enrollment Penalty: If you delay enrolling in Part D or have a gap in your prescription drug coverage, you'll pay a 1% penalty on the national base beneficiary premium for each month you were without coverage. This penalty is added to your monthly Part D premium for as long as you have the coverage.

Tom New · Answer

Yes.  There is a time limit to sign up for Part B and a huge penalty.  You will also be penalized for not having a prescription drug plan.

Gary Henderson · Answer

I know first of all you should roll in part A because it's free as long as you've worked for at least 10 years in the United States 
You don't have to enroll in part b if you're already covered by your employer plan. However, you might want to weigh that against the cost and coverage you get in Medicare versus what you're paying for your employer plan 
Once you lose coverage and or retire, then you have 6 months to enroll in Medicare part B without penalty. If you fail to enroll, the penalty starts at 10% per year based on the price of part b coverage. 
Some federal and state government employees may be exempt 
Is best to always talk to a licensed insurance agent to make sure that your particular situation is answered

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Yes, there are penalties for delaying enrollment in Medicare Part B, The penalty is a 10% increase to your monthly premium for each 12-month period you delay enrolling, and you'll pay this penalty for as long as you have Part B.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on June 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Kramer · Answer

This is a common question for those still working and on employer group health insurance. The exact definition from CMS (Medicare) is: If you want to keep your employer group health insurance, and there are 20 or more employees ON THE PLAN (not just employed) then you can stay on that plan and will not be penalized later when you retire and enroll in Medicare Part B. However, you need to check if the SSA auto enrolled you in Part A, 3 months before your 65th birthday (that used to be automatic, but not so anymore). And you need to also check if your group health plan drug benefits meets the minimum required by CMS. If not, you will need to sign up for a Part D plan within 3 months after your birthday month, to avoid a future penalty (LEP).

Answered by Andrew Kramer on June 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Sam Silva · Answer

You may be penalized if you don’t enroll in Medicare when you turn 65, unless you have creditable coverage through an employer or union. Part A is usually premium-free, so there’s no penalty for delaying if you qualify. However, delaying Part B without creditable coverage can result in a 10% penalty for each 12-month period you delay, and that penalty lasts for life. Part D (prescription coverage) also carries a lifetime penalty of 1% of the national base premium for every month you go without creditable drug coverage. To avoid penalties, enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Answered by Sam Silva on June 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, GA, NJ & 7 other states

Answered by Sam Silva Medicare Insurance Agent

Linda Davies · Answer

Yes, you will likely be penalized if you don't enroll in Medicare Parts A and B when you are first eligible, which begins three months before your 65th birthday. You'll incur a late enrollment penalty for each part if you don't enroll within your Initial Enrollment Period. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Part B Late Enrollment Penalty:
If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible, your monthly Part B premium will increase by 10% for each 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll. This penalty is added to your premium and continues for as long as you have Part B. 

Part A Late Enrollment Penalty:
If you have to purchase Part A (because you don't qualify for it automatically based on your work history) and don't enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, you'll also face a late enrollment penalty. This penalty is 10% of your monthly premium and you'll have to pay it for twice the number of years you were eligible but didn't enroll. 

Exceptions to Late Enrollment Penalties:
There are some exceptions, including if you have qualifying coverage from your employer or spouse's employment. You may also be able to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period if you meet certain conditions. Additionally, if you have limited income and are eligible for a Medicare Savings Program, you may not be penalized. 

Part D Late Enrollment Penalty:
If you don't enroll in a Medicare Part D plan (for prescription drug coverage) and don't have creditable drug coverage, you'll also face a late enrollment penalty. This penalty is 1% of the national average premium for each month you were eligible but didn't enroll.

Todd Bostic · Answer

You just need to notify 1-800-Medicare that you want to delay your enrollment, otherwise you will be penalized.

Aisha Saleem · Answer

If you don't sign up for Medicare when you're eligible, you might have to pay a higher premium when you do sign up.

Robert Rowe · Answer

It all Depends on your current coverage and if it’s considered credible coverage in the eyes of Medicare. If you don’t enroll in Medicare but have credible coverage then you are completely fine. However if you don’t enroll in Medicare part A first and then part B between 3 months before or 3 months after your 65th birthday with NO credible coverage then you are subject to part B premium penalties.

Answered by Robert Rowe on May 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in MI

Answered by Robert Rowe Medicare Insurance Agent

Natalee Nimmo · Answer

Short Answer: Yes! Medicare is NOT optional. It is a requirement. However, there are special circumstances that allow you to delay it without penalties later on. You really need to speak with a Medicare Expert to go over this and ALL your options. This way, you will be making a more informed decision for yourself.

Answered by Natalee Nimmo on June 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in SC, FL, GA & KY, MO, NC & TX

Answered by Natalee Nimmo Medicare Insurance Agent

Donnie Vermillion · Answer

If you continue to work and are covered by a group health plan by your employer then no you just need to maintain credible coverage, your HR department can verify that for you. 

If you miss your initial enrollment period when you turn 65 you could face late enrollment penalties if you are not working / maintaining credible coverage through your employer.

Jamie Herrick · Answer

Good question! Double check with your nearest social security office to get the most up to date information. Make sure you have a part D plan as well to avoid penalties even if you don’t take a medication!

Answered by Jamie Herrick on March 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI

Answered by Jamie Herrick Medicare Insurance Agent

Humara Riaz · Answer

When You're First Eligible (Initial Enrollment Period)
You can enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):

Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65

Includes your birthday month

Ends 3 months after your birthday month (7-month window)

Linda Bolan · Answer

There are penalties involved if you do not have health insurance through an employer and you wait to enroll in Medicare.

If you do have an employer sponsored health insurance, you will not be penalized if you can provide proof of insurance when you decide to retire and go onto Medicare.

George Francis · Answer

It depends! Medicare enrollment is not mandatory. 

Reason - still working and covered by an employer's qualified group health plan with 20 or more employees.

Melanie Blackston · Answer

No, you will just need to delay your Part B and you will need to make sure you have credible medical coverage with prescription benefits as well.

Brianna Douros · Answer

You have your initial enrollment period (IEP) to sign up for Medicare to avoid any late enrollment penalties. Your IEP is 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your 65th birthday. You can enroll by telephone 1-800-Medicare, online at ssa.gov, or you can also apply at your local social security office.

Answered by Brianna Douros on April 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, CO & TX

Answered by Brianna Douros Medicare Insurance Agent

April Ryan · Answer

The short answer is yes. However, if you and/or your spouse are still working and have credible employer-sponsored health insurance, you can defer enrollment. You should, however, go ahead and enroll in Medicare Part A as there is no cost. The penalty for not enrolling when eligible is 10% of your monthly Part B premium for each year that you do not enroll.

Answered by April Ryan on June 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, SC & VA

Answered by April Ryan Medicare Insurance Agent

Carl-Daniel Cole · Answer

Yes, you may be penalized if you don’t enroll in Medicare when you turn 65 and don’t have other creditable coverage. The penalties can apply to Part B and Part D and may increase the longer you wait. It’s important to enroll on time to avoid these added costs.

Answered by Carl-Daniel Cole on May 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, AL, AR & 23 other states

Answered by Carl-Daniel Cole Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Dunn · Answer

Penalties do apply. For example, you will pay a 10% higher premium for Part A (hospital insurance) for four years and a 10% higher monthly premium for part B (medical insurance) for every 12-month period you delay. This penalty is cumulative and last for life. Fort example, if you wait 5 years, until you are 70 to enroll in part B, you will pay a 50% higher monthly premium. The penalties for part D (prescription drug coverage) starts after 65 days after your 65th birthday and is 1% of the national base premium times the number of uncovered months. This penalty also will last for life.

Answered by Steve Dunn on June 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Steve Dunn Medicare Insurance Agent

Christine Itami · Answer

There are determining factors at play which determine whether or not a penalty will be charged.  
If you are on a Group Plan that is Creditable Coverage according to Medicare, you will not be penalized if you delay activating your Medicare Part B.  Part A usually defaults whenever you enroll in Part B to the 1st of the month you turned 65.  

If you don't have Creditable coverage according to Medicare, and delay enrolling in Medicare, you will be charged a penalty which is charged based on the amount of time you delayed your enrollment.  This penalty stays with you for your entire life you are on Medicare.  You are also limited to the General Enrollment Period (GEP), 1/1-3/31 of every year where you can enroll, your coverage will begin the first of the month following your enrollment.

Abbie Choate · Answer

If you don’t sign up for Medicare at 65 and don’t have other creditable coverage, you could get stuck with lifelong penalties. Part B costs go up 10% for every year you wait, and Part D has a penalty too if you go without drug coverage. But if you have insurance through work, you might be able to delay without a penalty. It’s best to check ahead of time so you don’t end up paying more later!

Answered by Abbie Choate on March 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA & NY

Answered by Abbie Choate Medicare Insurance Agent

Deborah Bates · Answer

You can be penalized if you don't have a creditable coverage plan.  Most employer group healthcare plans are creditable.  So there is no need worry if you work past 65.

Joley Hanson · Answer

Depending on credible insurance coverage, there is not a penalty for not taking Medicare when eligible. However, there are requirements when eligible. Make sure to talk with a licensed Medicare agent to help determine the options.

Answered by Joley Hanson on April 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in MN, FL, IA & 7 other states

Answered by Joley Hanson Medicare Insurance Agent

Jackson Cassibry · Answer

If you don't have credible prescription drug coverage Whren you turn 65, you will be responsible for a penalty every month you don't have that credible coverage

Audrey Crosby · Answer

It depends on whether or not you are retiring at 65. Or when your Medicare Part A & B is/will be effective.

Cody Franklin · Answer

The short answer is: IF you are enrolled in employer group health insurance (not COBRA) when you turn 65, you are not required to enroll in Medicare. When it comes to penalties, you don't want to step on a landmine so it is important to consult with a licensed insurance agent a few months before your 65th birthday to see if you need to do anything.