"When Sarah finally enrolled at 65, she discovered something that made her stomach drop: because she'd missed her Initial Enrollment Period by a few months, she'd be paying an extra $67 per month in Part B penalties. That's over $800 annually. Forever. For a lawyer who'd spent her career mastering complex legal concepts and advising clients on intricate matters, this felt particularly frustrating. I see variations of this story more often than I'd like to admit."
"The reality is that Medicare can be confusing for even the sharpest of minds. Parts A, B, C, D. Medigap. IRMAA. Enrollment periods that overlap but have different rules. Penalties that compound over time. It's a bureaucratic maze that makes tax code look straightforward. Getting this wrong has the potential to cost you thousands of dollars annually throughout retirement. So let's cut through the confusion and focus on what actually matters for your planning."
Missing Medicare enrollment deadlines can impose permanent Part B penalties that raise monthly premiums and cost thousands over retirement. Medicare consists of Parts A, B, C, and D plus supplemental Medigap plans and income-related adjustments (IRMAA). Enrollment periods differ and can overlap while carrying distinct rules. Many high-functioning professionals overlook Medicare timing, creating long-term, compounding financial consequences. Part A is typically premium-free after 40 work quarters; Part B requires a monthly premium (standard $202.90 in 2026). Proper planning requires understanding enrollment windows, penalties, and interactions with Social Security and tax-efficient withdrawal strategies.
Read at Above the Law
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