Late Enrollement Penalty

Are you a Florida resident approaching Medicare eligibility or already enrolled? Understanding the Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP) is crucial to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure seamless healthcare coverage. Let's explore what the LEP means for Floridians and how to steer clear of this financial burden.

 What is the Medicare Late Enrollment Penalty?

The Late Enrollment Penalty is an additional charge added to your Medicare premium if you don't sign up when you're first eligible. This penalty applies to both Medicare Part B and Part D coverage.

How the LEP Affects Florida Medicare Beneficiaries

Part B Late Enrollment Penalty:

1. • You'll pay an extra 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't sign up.

This penalty is added to your monthly Part B premium and typically lasts for as long as you have Medicare

Part D Late Enrollment Penalty:

• The penalty is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium ($34.70 in 2024) for every month you didn't have creditable drug coverage.This amount is added to your monthly Part D premium

Avoiding the Late Enrollment Penalty

Enroll in Medicare when you're first eligible. 

Sign up for Medicare drug coverage even if you don't currently take medications

Maintain creditable prescription drug coverage if you delay Medicare enrollment

Special Considerations for Florida Residents

• Florida's large Medicare population means more plan options, but also increased risk of penalties if you're not vigilant.

• Snowbirds should ensure continuous coverage, even when traveling out of state.

What to Do If You Receive an LEP Notice

If you receive a notice about a Late Enrollment Penalty:

1. Review the notice carefully.

2. Gather documentation of any previous creditable coverage.

3. Consider appealing if you believe the penalty is incorrect

Appealing a Late Enrollment Penalty

You have the right to appeal an LEP decision:

 Complete the appeal form from your plan or use the CMS form.

 Submit your appeal to C2C Innovative Solutions within 60 days of receiving the LEP notice, including evidence of creditable coverage or other qualifying circumstances

Take Action Now!

Don't let the Late Enrollment Penalty catch you off guard. As a Florida Medicare beneficiary, it's essential to:

1. Mark your Initial Enrollment Period on your calendar.

2. Research your Medicare options well in advance.

3. Maintain records of any creditable coverage you have.

For personalized assistance with Medicare enrollment and avoiding penalties:

• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

• Consult with a licensed Medicare advisor in Florida

Remember, timely enrollment is key to avoiding the Late Enrollment Penalty and ensuring comprehensive, cost-effective Medicare coverage in the Sunshine State. 

Avoid LEP, Call 1-877-343-4648 

Some Top Medicare Advantage Plans Compatable With IEP

Humana

UnitedHealthcare/AARP

Aetna

Anthem

Florida Blue

Blue Cross Blue Shield

AvMed Medicare

BayCare Health Plans

Capital Health Plan

Care Plus

Doctors HealthCare Plans

Freedom Health

Gold Kidney Health Plan

Health First Health Plans

HealthSun Health Plans

Leon Health Plans

Optimum Healthcare

Prominence Health Plan

Simply Healthcare Plans

Solis Health Plans

Ultimate Health Plans

Wellcare

Cigna