Postponing your Medicare sign-up beyond the initial enrollment window can lead to substantial, and sometimes lasting, penalties when you eventually enroll. In some cases, these penalties are irreversible and will accompany you for the duration of your Medicare coverage. ​

Each part of Medicare has specific rules regarding the circumstances under which penalties are imposed, how much the penalties are, and how long you're required to pay them.

Information regarding Medicare penalties is subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official Medicare website at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.