“Mistake Monday: Don’t Delay Part B—Avoid Costly Late Enrollment Penalties”

Welcome to Mistake Monday on Real Easy Medicare with Al Kushner! In this episode, Al uncovers one of the most expensive errors seniors make: postponing Medicare Part B without creditable coverage.

1. Creditable Coverage Defined
   • Works: employer-sponsored insurance (you or spouse) from companies with 20+ employees
   • Doesn’t count: individual market plans, ACA marketplace, short-term policies, COBRA (<20 employees), most retiree plans, VA benefits
2. Penalty Details
   • 10% premium increase for each 12-month gap, permanent
   • 2025 base premium $185/month; two-year delay → $222/month (+$444/year); five-year delay → $278/month (+$1,116/year)
3. Real-Life Examples
   • Mark’s individual plan delay led to a 20% penalty
   • David’s ACA delay also triggered a 20% lifetime surcharge
4. Prevention Strategies
   • When in doubt, enroll in Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period
   • Obtain written proof of creditable coverage
   • If coverage ends, use your 8-month Special Enrollment Period

Next Up: True Story Tuesday—real beneficiary tales about unexpected Medicare traps and savings opportunities.