What Tax Practitioners Need to Know About Medicare

Overview

Tax advisors often receive questions concerning all facets of Medicare. How does Medicare work? How do I apply? How much does it cost? Is Medicare optional or required? This program provides a basic introduction to the Medicare program and covers many of the areas of the Medicare program that clients are most interested in. If you, or some of your clients, have questions relating to Medicare, this program is a must for you.

This course qualifies for reimbursement through the state’s Workforce Training Express Fund. As of April 7, 2025, the state’s Workforce Training Express Fund suspended reimbursements for training costs to Massachusetts businesses. While we don’t have a confirmed timeline for the program to resume, it will likely be sometime this summer. We will continue to monitor this closely and encourage you to visit the state’s Workforce Training website for the most current updates and guidance.

This course qualifies for reimbursement through the state’s Workforce Training Express Fund. Firms/companies with fewer than 50 staff can be reimbursed up to 100% of the cost of training and firms/companies with 50-100 employees can be reimbursed up to 50% of the cost of training. You must register for the course and apply for reimbursement through the Workforce Training Express Fund website a minimum of three weeks prior to the start of the course. The course code for this program is C-2402. To learn more, click here or contact Julia Ekelund at jekelund@masscpas.org.

Highlights

Eligibility for Medicare How to apply for Medicare Introduction to Parts A, B, C, and D of Medicare Payments for Parts B and D of Medicare: the higher costs imposed on higher income beneficiaries Late enrollment penalties Medicare Advantage in lieu of original Medicare The Affordable Care Act’s impact on Medicare Legislative and regulatory developments

Prerequisites

An understanding of the tax rules relating to individual income tax

Designed For

Tax practitioners who currently advise or who anticipate advising clients with respect to Medicare enrollment and/or Medicare coverage issues

Objectives

Understand who is eligible for Medicare Determine whether an individual will have to pay a surtax for Medicare Part B and Part D coverage Ascertain whether private or spousal insurance options are preferable to Medicare

Preparation

None