An individual delays enrolling in Medicare Part A for 3 years after becoming eligible and has no other coverage. The Part A late enrollment penalty generally:

Why A is correct

The Part A late enrollment penalty applies to people who delay enrollment without other qualifying coverage. The premium is increased by 10 percent for each full 12-month period the person was eligible but not enrolled, and the higher premium is charged for twice the number of years the enrollment was delayed. Because the penalty is a percentage surcharge applied over time rather than a flat fine, the cost compounds with delay. This penalty structure is a specific Medicare Part A exam point.

Why the other options are wrong

• B) There is no one-time fine; the Part A penalty is a percentage surcharge added to the monthly premium over a period twice as long as the delay.
• C) A late enrollee may still enroll in Part A; the penalty applies to the premium but does not bar enrollment.
• D) The Part A penalty affects the Part A premium, not the Part B deductible.

Memory hook

Part A penalty = 10% per year of delay, billed for twice as long as you delayed. Procrastination is taxed twice.