US Federal Health Deadlines Can Cost Retirees

Initial enrollment runs 7 mo around age 65: 3 mo before, birthday mo, and 3 mo after. Missing it starts penalty risk.
Only active-employer group coverage at 20+ employees qualifies for the special window. Continuation and retiree coverage do not protect or extend it.
Medical coverage penalties add ~10% for each full yr late. A 3-yr delay creates a permanent ~30% surcharge on the standard premium.
Drug coverage penalties add ~1% for every uncovered mo after eligibility. Keep every annual creditable-coverage notice to prove protected periods later securely.
If both windows closed, use the next general enrollment period, January 1 through March 31. Waiting another yr only raises the surcharge.