Medicare Economic Security Solutions Act

This bill changes how Medicare Part B late sign-up penalties work so they’re fairer to people who had other coverage. It sets the late sign-up penalty at 15% of the monthly Part B premium, but only for a limited time—twice as long as you went without Part B—instead of lasting for life as it does now. Time you were covered by COBRA, a retiree plan, or VA health care would not count toward that penalty at all. The bill also adds a special window to enroll in Part B when COBRA or retiree coverage ends, so people don’t get stuck without coverage or face extra costs.

• Who is affected: People eligible for Medicare Part B, especially those who delayed because they had COBRA, retiree, or VA coverage.
• What changes: The penalty becomes 15% but ends after a set period; months with COBRA/retiree/VA coverage don’t count; and there’s a new special enrollment time when those coverages end.
• When: These changes start 90 days after the bill becomes law (including the new penalty rules and the special enrollment timing).