What happens if a person does not enroll in Medicare on time?

When a person does not enroll in Medicare during their initial enrollment period, they may face a late enrollment penalty. This penalty applies because Medicare has specific enrollment periods, and missing these can lead to increased costs for the beneficiary. The penalty typically results in a higher monthly premium for Medicare Part B (and potentially Part D), which can last as long as the individual has Medicare coverage. This discourages late enrollment and encourages timely registration to avoid financial penalties.

It is important to understand that Medicare does not automatically enroll individuals who miss their initial enrollment period, nor do they offer an open enrollment window without consequences. Therefore, timely enrollment is crucial for avoiding additional costs associated with late enrollment.