Medicare 101: avoiding the penalties that follow you for life
The enrollment windows, Part B and D mistakes, and Medigap basics explained.
Miss your Medicare enrollment windows and you can pay higher premiums for the rest of your life. Late-enrollment penalties for Part B are 10% per year you delayed; for Part D, 1% per month.
The basics: Part A — hospital. Part B — doctors. Part C (Medicare Advantage) — bundled private alternative. Part D — drugs. Medigap — supplemental insurance that fills the gaps in Original Medicare.
Initial Enrollment is the 7-month window around your 65th birthday. If you have credible coverage through an employer (20+ employees), you can delay without penalty. Otherwise, sign up on time — the penalties are permanent.
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