Which Medicare part may individuals incur a late enrollment penalty for if they do not sign up when first eligible?

Individuals may incur a late enrollment penalty for Medicare Part B if they do not sign up when first eligible. This part of Medicare primarily covers outpatient services, including doctor visits, preventive services, and other healthcare that is not provided in a hospital setting. If an individual fails to enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period, they might have to pay a premium penalty for each year they delay enrollment, which lasts as long as they have Medicare Part B.

It's crucial to sign up for Medicare Part B promptly when eligible, as this penalty can lead to significantly higher costs over time, making it essential for beneficiaries to understand their enrollment windows and the implications of failing to enroll in a timely manner. Other parts, such as Medicare Part A, Part C, and Part D, also have specific enrollment guidelines, but the late enrollment penalties primarily apply notably to Part B and Part D, with Part B being the specific focus in this question.