📧 [email protected] 📞 435-219-5120 (TTY: 711)
Rocco DeLuca — Vernal Medicare

Important Medicare Information

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 711), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to get information on all of your options.

Vernal Medicare is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage organizations and stand-alone prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal.

Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.

By calling the number above, you will be directed to a licensed insurance agent.

By Rocco DeLuca, Licensed Insurance Agent • Published 2026-04-04 • Last updated 2026-04-04

What Happens If I Miss Medicare Enrollment?

Missing Medicare enrollment deadlines can be costly — in some cases permanently. Late enrollment penalties increase your premiums for the rest of your life. Here is what happens when you miss each type of enrollment window and what options may be available.

Part B Late Enrollment Penalty

If you do not sign up for Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period and you do not have qualifying coverage (such as employer-based insurance), you face a permanent premium penalty. The penalty is 10% of the standard premium for each full 12-month period you were eligible but not enrolled. This penalty is added to your monthly Part B premium for as long as you have Part B. For example, if you delayed two years, your Part B premium would be permanently 20% higher — an extra $37/month in 2026 on top of the $185 standard premium.

Part D Late Enrollment Penalty

If you go 63 or more consecutive days without Part D or other creditable drug coverage, you face a Part D penalty. The penalty is 1% of the national base premium times the number of months you went without coverage. This penalty is also permanent. Delaying Part D by two years (24 months) would add approximately $8.64/month to your Part D premium permanently.

Part A Penalty

Most people qualify for premium-free Part A based on work history. If you must pay a Part A premium and enroll late, the penalty is 10% of the premium, applied for twice the number of years you delayed.

Missed Annual Enrollment (AEP)

If you miss the October 15 – December 7 Annual Enrollment Period, you generally cannot change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan until the following year's AEP. You may be able to make one change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31), but options are limited.

Special Enrollment Periods That May Help

If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to losing employer coverage, moving, qualifying for Extra Help or Medicaid, or other life events, you may be able to enroll or make changes outside standard windows. We help Vernal-area residents determine whether a SEP applies to their situation.

Related: Enrollment timeline for Utah | Open Enrollment 2026 | Part A vs Part B

Source: Medicare.gov.

Compare Plans & Enroll

Call Rocco: 435-219-5120 (TTY: 711) • [email protected]