A memory device includes a memory array of memory cells. A page buffer is to apply, to a bit line, a first voltage or a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage during a program verify operation. Control logic operatively coupled with the page buffer is to perform operations including: causing a plurality of memory cells to be programmed with a first program pulse; measuring a threshold voltage for the memory cells; forming a threshold voltage distribution from the measured threshold voltages; classifying, based on the threshold voltage distribution, a first subset of the memory cells as having a faster quick charge loss than that of a second subset of the memory cells; and causing, in response to the classifying, the page buffer to apply the second voltage to the bit line during a program verify operation performed on any of the first subset of memory cells.