Penalties

Browse our articles about penalties

March 18, 2026

Medicare for Early Retirees: Bridging the Gap Before 65

Retiring before 65? Learn your health coverage options — COBRA, ACA Marketplace, spouse plans, HSAs — and how to avoid costly Medicare enrollment mistakes.

Medicare for Immigrants and Non-Citizens

Learn how Medicare eligibility works for immigrants and non-citizens, including rules for permanent residents, the five-year waiting period, and your options.

Medicare and Divorce: What Happens to Your Coverage

Learn how divorce affects your Medicare eligibility, enrollment timing, and coverage options, including how to qualify through an ex-spouse's work record.

Medicare and TRICARE for Life: Coverage for Military Retirees

Discover how TRICARE for Life works alongside Medicare for military retirees, including Part B requirements, claims processing, pharmacy, and overseas coverage.

Medicare for the Self-Employed

Discover how Medicare works when you are self-employed, including premium costs, IRMAA considerations, tax deductions, and switching from individual coverage.

Medicare for Veterans: How VA Benefits and Medicare Work Together

Learn how VA healthcare benefits and Medicare interact, why many veterans enroll in Part B, and how VA drug coverage compares to Part D.

Medicare and COBRA: How They Work Together

Understand how COBRA and Medicare interact, when COBRA is primary or secondary, and why choosing COBRA over Medicare at 65 can lead to costly penalties.

Medicare and Employer Coverage: Coordination of Benefits

Understand how Medicare coordinates with employer health insurance, including primary vs secondary payer rules, claims processing, and retiree coverage.

Medicare Part D Sign-Up: Enrollment Windows and Key Deadlines

Find out when and how to sign up for Medicare Part D, including enrollment windows and tips for avoiding late penalties.

Medicare Part D Pricing: A Full Guide to Premiums, Deductibles, and Copays

A detailed look at Medicare Part D expenses, including monthly premiums, annual deductibles, copays, and coinsurance amounts.

Medicare Part D Explained: How Prescription Drug Coverage Works

Find out how Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage works, what it includes, and why it is important for Medicare beneficiaries.

HSA Rules When You Enroll in Medicare

Understand how enrolling in Medicare changes your HSA contributions, how to spend existing HSA funds, and how to plan around turning 65.

Medicare Coverage for Non-Working Spouses

Find out how non-working spouses can become eligible for Medicare using their partner's work history, expected premiums, and options for divorced couples.

A Guide to Canceling Medicare: Dropping Parts A and B

Understand how to disenroll from Medicare Parts A and B, what happens when you cancel, and when dropping coverage could be the right choice.

Who Qualifies for Medicare? Eligibility Requirements Explained

Learn who is eligible for Medicare, including age requirements, disability qualifications, and special eligibility circumstances.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation of any specific Medicare plan. Benefits, costs, and availability vary by plan and location. For complete information about your Medicare options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY: 1-877-486-2048, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.