Medicare Part B: Enroll Now or Wait?

Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, durable medical equipment, and many services outside the hospital. The difficult question is often not what Part B covers, but whether you should enroll now, delay enrollment, or use a Special Enrollment Period later.

Official Medicare enrollment information:

Medicare.gov – Sign Up for Part A and Part B

Quick Decision Guide

• Retired? Usually enroll in Part B when first eligible.
• Still working? You may be able to delay Part B if covered by a qualifying employer plan.
• Covered under a spouse’s employer plan? You may be able to delay Part B.
• COBRA or retiree coverage? Medicare usually expects you to enroll in Part B.
• VA coverage only? Review your options carefully before delaying Part B.

Most Common Medicare Part B Questions

I’m still working. Do I need Part B?

Whether you need Part B depends on your employer coverage, employer size, and whether coverage is based on active employment.

Learn About Medicare and Employer Coverage

Can I enroll later without a penalty?

If you qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period, you may be able to enroll later without a late enrollment penalty.

Learn About Medicare Special Enrollment Periods

What if I missed my enrollment period?

You may need to wait for the Medicare General Enrollment Period and could be subject to a late enrollment penalty.

Learn About the General Enrollment Period

How does the Part B penalty work?

Medicare generally adds a 10% penalty for each full 12-month period that you could have had Part B but did not enroll and were not eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

Learn About the Part B Late Enrollment Penalty

Why is Medicare billing me for several months at once?

Many people receive an initial Medicare bill covering multiple months. This often happens when premiums are billed directly instead of being deducted from Social Security.

Learn Why Medicare Bills Multiple Months at Once

I have VA benefits. Do I still need Medicare?

VA benefits and Medicare work differently. Many veterans choose to enroll in Medicare even when they have VA coverage.

VA Coverage Compared to Medicare

I have limited income. Can someone help pay my Part B premium?

Medicare Savings Programs may help eligible beneficiaries pay some Medicare costs, including the Part B premium.

Learn About Medicare Savings Programs

Need Help?

Every Medicare situation is different. If you are unsure whether to enroll in Part B, delay enrollment, use a Special Enrollment Period, or avoid a late enrollment penalty, contact Steve for assistance before making a decision.

Email Steve Shorr

Official Medicare Resources

• Medicare.gov
• Social Security Medicare Enrollment
• CMS-40B Application for Medicare Part B
• CMS-L564 Employer Coverage Verification Form

• Estimate my Medicare eligibility & premium

• the medicare family.com/calculators/part-d-penalty/ 
• medicare.gov/part-d-late-enrollment-penalty 

Visit Our Web Pages on:

• Part B & D Rx Premium Surcharge if you have High Income?
• Part B Late Enrollment - Penalties
• Enroll ONLINE for Medicare Part A Hospital & B Doctor Visits