From 24/7 Wall St. · Gerelyn Terzo · · 1m 10s
Uber Driver Faces Medicare Penalty
Uber driver misses Medicare deadline, risking 10% annual penalty.
In brief
Uber driver misses Medicare deadline, risking 10% annual penalty. A 65-year-old Uber driver who pays for his own health insurance could face a 10% annual Medicare penalty if he doesn't enroll in Part B within his seven-month window. Originally reported by 24/7 Wall St..
Uber Driver's Health Insurance
A 65-year-old Uber driver pays hundreds of dollars monthly for his own health insurance.
Medicare's Enrollment Rule
Medicare requires employer group coverage tied to current work or spouse's job for a Special Enrollment Period.
Individual Policy Risk
His individual health policy doesn't qualify for Medicare's Special Enrollment Period.
10% Late-Enrollment Penalty
Missing the deadline adds a 10% penalty per full 12-month period without Part B enrollment.
Penalty Calculation
The penalty grows with Part B's monthly premium, which rose $17.90 from $185.00 in 2025.
COBRA and Retiree Plans
COBRA and retiree coverage don't extend the Special Enrollment Period deadline.
Enrollment Deadline
The seven-month Initial Enrollment Period starts three months before birthday month and ends three months after.
What to Do Next
Ask benefits office if coverage is tied to current work or spouse's job to avoid penalty.
What to remember
A 65-year-old Uber driver who pays for his own health insurance could face a 10% annual Medicare penalty if he doesn't enroll in Part B within his seven-month window.
