Marketplace coverage doesn't let you wait
Some people can delay Part B without a penalty because they have health coverage from a current job. A Marketplace plan doesn't count. Having Marketplace coverage does not give you a Special Enrollment Period for Part B.
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you'll usually have to wait for the General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31 each year). Coverage then starts the month after you sign up.
The Part B late enrollment penalty
- Your Part B premium goes up 10% for each full 12 months you could have had Part B but didn't.
- In most cases, you pay this penalty for as long as you have Part B.
- Example: If you wait 2 full years, you'd pay 20% more than the standard premium every month.
Part B costs
| 2026 (confirmed) | 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard monthly premium | $202.90 | Not announced yet. Medicare's trustees estimated $209.50, but that's only an estimate. |
| Yearly deductible | $283 | Not announced yet |
People with higher incomes pay more for Part B and Part D. This is based on the income on your tax return from 2 years before.
More Medicare topics
When to sign up
Your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, when Medicare coverage starts, automatic enrollment and premium-free vs paid Part A.
Read more
Ending your Marketplace plan
Step-by-step: end your Marketplace (Obamacare) plan the day before Medicare starts, and what happens to your premium tax credit.
Read more
Your Medicare choices
Compare Original Medicare with Medigap and Part D against Medicare Advantage (Part C), and when you can make changes later.
Read more
Help with costs
Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help for Part D and Medicaid can lower what you pay for Medicare if your income is limited.
Read more
Medicare and Marketplace rules can change. Check Medicare.gov, SSA.gov or HealthCare.gov for the latest rules.
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