Medical Expenses
The first thing you need to know about medical expenses is that you probably cannot deduct them. Only the part of your medical and dental expenses that exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income may be deducted. And only unreimbursed medical and dental expenses may be deducted. Enter the total amount of your eligible unreimbursed expenses and we will calculate the deduction for you.

Here are examples of medical and dental expenses eligible for the deduction:

• Insurance premiums for medical and dental care. Reduce the insurance premiums by any self-employed health insurance deduction you will claim for them.

• Prescription medicines or insulin.

• Medical doctors, osteopathic doctors, dentists, eye doctors, podiatrists, chiropractors, psychiatrists, psychologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, acupuncturists, and psychoanalysts (medical care only).

• Medical examinations, X-ray and laboratory services, insulin treatment, and whirlpool baths your doctor ordered.

• Nursing help (including your share of the employment taxes paid). If you paid someone to do both nursing and housework, you may deduct only the cost of the nursing help.

• Hospital care (including meals and lodging), clinic costs, and lab fees.

• Qualified long-term care services.

• The supplemental part of Medicare insurance (Medicare B).

• A program to stop smoking and for prescription medicines to alleviate nicotine withdrawal.

• Medical treatment at a center for drug or alcohol addiction.

• Medical aids such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, braces, crutches, wheelchairs, and guide dogs, including the cost of maintaining them.

• Surgery to improve vision including radial keratotomy or other laser eye surgery.

• Lodging expenses (but not meals) while away from home to receive medical care in a hospital or a medical care facility related to a hospital. Do not include more than $50 a night for each eligible person.

• Ambulance service and other travel costs to get medical care. If you used your own car, you may claim what you spent for gas and oil to go to and from the place you received the care; or you may claim 13 cents a mile. Add parking and tolls to the amount you claim under either method.

Here are examples of medical and dental payments you may not deduct:

• The basic cost of Medicare insurance (Medicare A).

• If you were 65 or older but not entitled to social security benefits, you may deduct premiums you voluntarily paid for Medicare A coverage.

• Cosmetic surgery unless it was necessary to improve a deformity related to a congenital abnormality, an injury from an accident or trauma, or a disfiguring disease.

• Nursing care for a healthy baby.

• Nonprescription medicines (including nicotine gum and certain nicotine patches).

• Travel your doctor told you to take for rest or a change.