“Mistake Monday: Don’t Delay Part B—Avoid Costly Late Enrollment Penalties”
Update: 2025-09-01
Description
Welcome to Mistake Monday on Real Easy Medicare with Al Kushner! In this episode, Al uncovers one of the most expensive errors seniors make: postponing Medicare Part B without creditable coverage.
- Creditable Coverage Defined
- Works: employer-sponsored insurance (you or spouse) from companies with 20+ employees
- Doesn’t count: individual market plans, ACA marketplace, short-term policies, COBRA (<20 employees), most retiree plans, VA benefits
- Penalty Details
- 10% premium increase for each 12-month gap, permanent
- 2025 base premium $185/month; two-year delay → $222/month (+$444/year); five-year delay → $278/month (+$1,116/year)
- Real-Life Examples
- Mark’s individual plan delay led to a 20% penalty
- David’s ACA delay also triggered a 20% lifetime surcharge
- Prevention Strategies
- When in doubt, enroll in Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period
- Obtain written proof of creditable coverage
- If coverage ends, use your 8-month Special Enrollment Period
Next Up: True Story Tuesday—real beneficiary tales about unexpected Medicare traps and savings opportunities.
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