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Part D late enrollment penalty calculator
The drug penalty works differently from the Part B one. Every single month without creditable drug coverage adds one percent of the national base premium, and like the Part B surcharge it lasts as long as you have a drug plan.
Figures reviewed for 2026
Every month counts here, even a single one.
CMS publishes this figure each fall. We show the most recently published amount; update the field if a newer one has been announced.
Your estimated monthly penalty
$8.83
- Months without coverage
- 24
- Penalty rate applied
- 24%
- Base premium used
- $36.78
- Cost per year
- $105.93
CMS rounds the penalty to the nearest ten cents. Any creditable drug coverage counts, including VA drugs, TRICARE, and most employer retiree plans.
What counts as creditable
Creditable coverage is drug coverage at least as good as standard Part D. Employer retiree plans, VA benefits, TRICARE, and coverage through a union or the Federal Employees Health Benefits program usually qualify, and the plan is required to tell you in writing each year whether it does.
What does not count is paying cash for prescriptions, using a discount card, or holding a short-term policy that leaves prescriptions out. Those years count as gaps and the penalty is calculated accordingly. The penalty does not begin until you enroll in Part D, which means the total grows quietly until that day.
Once enrolled, the penalty is added to the plan premium for as long as you keep drug coverage. Dropping the plan and rejoining later adds new months to the old total rather than resetting it.
Official sources
Check it at the source
Every figure on this page comes from the agencies below. They are the primary record, and none of these links costs you anything.
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