Medical Expense✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 2/5
An individual who delays enrolling in premium Part A Medicare without having other creditable coverage may face:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
Medicare imposes a late-enrollment penalty on Part A for individuals who do not have premium-free Part A and who delay enrollment beyond their initial eligibility without other coverage. The penalty increases the monthly premium by 10% for a number of months equal to twice the number of years enrollment was delayed, and the increase continues for the rest of the person's life. Because the penalty is permanent, timely enrollment advice is critical. This penalty rule is part of the Medicare eligibility and late-enrollment material in AH-III.D.1b.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) The Part A penalty is a percentage premium surcharge, not a one-time civil fine.
- C) Delayed enrollment does not end Medicare eligibility; it only raises the premium permanently.
- D) There is no two-year waiting period attached to the Part A late-enrollment penalty.
Memory hook
Delay Part A and pay 10% per year, doubled for twice as long.