Medicare Explained

Medicare Part D Late Enrollment Penalty: How It's Calculated and How to Avoid It

The Part D late enrollment penalty is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium ($38.99 in 2026) for every full month without creditable drug coverage — permanently. Learn what triggers it, the 6% growth cap, and how to avoid it.

Medicare and Marketplace Plans: Can You Have Both?

You cannot have both Medicare and marketplace health insurance at the same time. Learn the rules for transitioning from marketplace coverage to Medicare at 65.

Medicare Special Enrollment Period Rules

Special Enrollment Periods let you sign up for or change Medicare coverage outside normal enrollment windows. Learn qualifying events, the 8-month rule, and how to avoid penalties.

9 min read

What Is Creditable Coverage for Medicare?

Creditable coverage determines whether you face late enrollment penalties when signing up for Medicare. Learn what qualifies, how employer and COBRA coverage interact with Medicare, and how to protect yourself from permanent surcharges.

9 min read

Social Security and Medicare Coordination

Social Security and Medicare are separate programs with linked enrollment. Learn about automatic enrollment, when to decline Part B, disability rules, and how premiums are deducted from benefits.

Medicare for the Self-Employed

Self-employed? Learn how Medicare eligibility works, how to enroll, which premiums are tax-deductible, and what happens to your HSA when you sign up.

Medicare Enrollment Periods Explained: IEP, GEP, OEP & AEP

Comprehensive guide to every Medicare enrollment period — IEP, AEP, OEP, GEP, SEPs, and Medigap Open Enrollment. Covers 2026 dates, deadlines, what you can do during each period, and how to avoid late penalties.

10 min read

Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalty: What It Costs and How to Avoid It

The Part B late enrollment penalty is a permanent 10% surcharge per year of delayed enrollment. Learn how it is calculated, who it affects, and how to avoid it.

The COBRA Medicare Penalty Trap: Why COBRA Doesn't Protect Part B

COBRA continuation coverage doesn't protect you from Medicare Part B late enrollment penalties. If you're turning 65 on COBRA, here's what you need to know to avoid permanent premium surcharges.

My Spouse Has Medicare, Can I Be Covered Under Their Plan?

Medicare doesn't offer family plans, but you may qualify for premium-free Part A through your spouse's work history. Learn how spousal eligibility works and your coverage options.

I Missed My Medicare Enrollment Window, What Are My Options?

Missed your Medicare enrollment deadline? You still have options — from the General Enrollment Period to Special Enrollment Periods. Learn how to enroll and minimize penalties.

9 min read

Retiree Coverage and Medicare: What You Actually Need to Know

If you have retiree health benefits, you probably still need Medicare. Here's how the two work together, which pays first, and what happens if you opt out.

5 min read

I Have TRICARE and Just Turned 65, Do I Need to Enroll in Part B?

Scenario guide for TRICARE beneficiaries turning 65. Covers TRICARE For Life requirements, Part B enrollment rules, deadlines, late penalties, and how Medicare coordinates with TRICARE.

Working Past 65 with Employer Coverage: Do You Need Medicare?

Still working at 65+ with employer health insurance? Whether you need Medicare depends on your employer's size. Get the rules, avoid the penalties, and see your options.