2025 Part D Late Enrollment Penalty Calculator
Not sure how many months to enter?
Count the number of full months you went without Part D or other creditable drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period ended and before you got coverage.
💡 Tip: If you're unsure, just give your best estimate — this is just to help you get an idea.
Enter the number of months you were eligible to enroll but didn't:
Use our Medicare Enrollment Date Calculator to find out.

Avoiding the Medicare Part D Late Enrollment Penalty is possible if you act early. Learn how to avoid the Part D penalty at Medicare.gov, and use our calculator above to estimate what it could cost if you wait.
Quick answers about the part d penalty
The penalty is 1% of the national base premium times the number of full months you didn’t have Part D or creditable coverage. It’s added to your monthly premium.
The Part D penalty lasts for as long as you have Medicare drug coverage — it’s a lifetime penalty
In very rare cases, you can appeal the penalty if you had creditable coverage and can prove it. Otherwise, it's permanent..

We'll show you which Medicare plan covers your doctors and prescriptions — even if you’re overwhelmed by all the options.
No pressure. No confusing jargon. Just a quick, honest look at what makes the most sense for you.
Part D Late Enrollment Penalty Overview
The Part D late enrollment penalty is a permanent addition to your Medicare drug coverage (Part D) premium if you experience a period of 63 or more consecutive days without Medicare drug coverage or other creditable prescription drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period. The penalty is calculated by multiplying 1% by the "national base beneficiary premium" and the number of full, uncovered months you were eligible for Medicare drug coverage but did not enroll.
Late enrollment penalty calculator 2025:
In 2025, the Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty is calculated as 1% of the "national base beneficiary premium" which is currently set at $36.78, meaning for each uncovered month, you would pay a penalty of approximately $0.37 added to your monthly premium.
Understanding Medicare Part D Late Enrollment Penalty Calculator.
- The Part D late enrollment penalty is a permanent addition to your Medicare drug coverage (Part D) premium if you experience a period of 63 or more consecutive days without Medicare drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period.
- The penalty is calculated as 1% of the "national base beneficiary premium" multiplied by the number of full, uncovered months you were eligible for Medicare drug coverage but did not enroll.
- In 2025, the penalty amounts to 1% of the "national base beneficiary premium" ($36.78), leading to a penalty of approximately $0.37 per uncovered month added to your monthly premium.
When is a Part D enrollment considered "late?"
Typically, enrollment is deemed late if you did not enroll within three months of initially receiving Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
Enrollment Exemptions
- You will be exempt from the Part D late enrollment penalty if you:
- Qualify for Extra Help, also referred to as the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)
Have "creditable coverage" (coverage deemed comparable to Medicare drug coverage) from your or your spouse's employment, retiree benefits, or the Veterans Administration (VA)

Example of a 14 month late enrollment for Part D.
Calculation of the Part D Late Enrollment Penalty
- The penalty calculation amount is rounded to the nearest $0.10 and is added to your monthly premium for your Medicare drug coverage.
- The penalty may increase annually due to the escalation in the "national base beneficiary premium."
- For example, delaying enrollment by 14 months may result in a 14% late enrollment penalty in addition to your monthly plan premium.
❗ Not sure how the penalty works? Jump to the calculator to get your estimate in seconds.
Avoid Part D Late Enrollment Penalty
- You may avoid paying a Part D penalty if:
- You have creditable drug coverage (similar in value to Part D) or qualify for Extra Help.
- You may incur an extra 1% penalty for each month (12% annually) if you:
- Don't join a Medicare drug plan when you first become eligible.
- Go 63 days or more without creditable drug coverage.
- Your premium amount may also vary based on your income.
The best way to avoid the Part D penalty is to sign up for a Medicare Drug plan during your IEP. For information about plans and signing up check out our online Medicare plan finder.
Penalty Duration and Exceptions
- The Part D late enrollment penalty remains in effect as long as you maintain Medicare drug coverage, regardless of switching plans.
- Individuals receiving Extra Help are exempt from paying the penalty.
Disputing the Part D Late Enrollment Penalty
- If you believe the penalty is inaccurate, you can request a reconsideration within 60 days of receiving the notice.
- Provide supporting evidence and submit the form to Medicare's contractor, who aims to make a decision within 90 days.
- Note that the penalty must be paid even if you disagree with it, with non-payment potentially resulting in disenrollment from your Medicare drug plan.
Outcome of the Reconsideration Decision
- If the contractor deems the penalty incorrect, adjustments will be made, and you may receive a refund.
- If the penalty is valid, you'll be required to pay as determined.
Medicare Part D Penalty FAQ
The penalty is 1% of the national base premium times the number of full months you didn’t have Part D or creditable coverage. It’s added to your monthly premium.
The Part D penalty lasts for as long as you have Medicare drug coverage — it’s a lifetime penalty
In very rare cases, you can appeal the penalty if you had creditable coverage and can prove it. Otherwise, it's permanent..

We’ll help you find the right Medicare plan in just one call — even if you don’t know where to start.
No pressure. No confusing jargon. Just a quick, honest look at what makes the most sense for you.