Missed Part B Enrollment

[Heath]

Hello, my parents immigrated at the age of 67 and worked 10 years and are now 77. Just got medicare and SS last month. Now, received a letter from SS saying that they owe premium for Part B because they missed enrolling when they were 65. How can they have enrolled when they weren't even in this country at the age of 65? Can anyone please help?
They thought they would need their 40 credits first to get medicare and they worked hard to get them. Can't they be peaceful now even at 77?

 

[MBSC]

The 40 credits is applied toward Medicare Part A. There is no Part A premium for people with 40+ credits. There is still a separate premium for Part B. There is a surcharge (penalty) of 10% per year added to the standard Part B premium of $134 for those who enroll late and did not have employer coverage.

If they were on an employer's group plan, they may be exempt from the penalty. I suggest they call Social Security to see if they qualify for an exemption or reduction of the penalty.