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What happens if I don't enroll?

The consequences of skipping Part D — and when it's actually okay to delay.

The main risk: a permanent penalty

If you go 63 or more consecutive days without Part D or other creditable drug coverage and enroll later, you'll face a late enrollment penalty. This penalty is:

  • Added to your monthly Part D premium
  • Permanent — you pay it for as long as you have Part D
  • Calculated at 1% of the national base premium per month of uncovered time
  • Increases each year as the base premium rises

Full details on the late enrollment penalty →

When it's okay to delay

You can delay Part D enrollment without penalty if you have creditable prescription drug coverage — meaning coverage that is at least as good as standard Part D. Examples include:

  • Employer or union drug plans (if creditable)
  • TRICARE
  • VA health benefits
  • Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB)

Keep your creditable coverage notice

Each year, your employer or plan provider must tell you in writing whether your drug coverage is creditable. Save these notices. If you ever need to prove you had creditable coverage to avoid the penalty, you'll need them.

What if you need drugs and don't have coverage?

Without Part D or other drug coverage, you'll pay full retail price for prescriptions. A single brand-name medication can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars per month without insurance.