Medical Expense✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 3/5
A person who delays enrolling in Medicare Part A without other coverage may face a late enrollment penalty equal to:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
The Medicare Part A late enrollment penalty is calculated by multiplying 10% by twice the number of full years the individual was eligible for Part A but not enrolled, and adding that amount to the monthly premium. For example, a two-year delay adds 40% to the Part A premium. The penalty applies when the person is not otherwise covered by a group health plan and later enrolls. This differs from the Part B penalty, which adds 10% for each full 12-month period of delay.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) The 5% figure is not the Part A penalty rate; Part A uses 10% multiplied by twice the years of delay.
- C) The 1%-per-month lifetime penalty is the Part D late enrollment penalty, not the Part A rule.
- D) Part A late enrollment does carry a penalty when the individual enrolls late without other coverage.
Memory hook
Part A late fee = 10% multiplied by twice the years late. Twice the delay, double the sting.