Can retirees deduct Medicare premiums?

Asked by: Eddie Mayer  |  Last update: November 21, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (64 votes)

Can You Deduct Medicare Premiums? Retirees who wish to deduct their Medicare premiums must choose to itemize their deductions on IRS Form 1040. The premiums paid for all parts of Medicare, including Medigap, are generally considered to be deductible medical expenses (though some restrictions may apply).

Can I deduct Medicare premiums if I am retired?

As you get older, chances are decent that you'll have more medical expenses. While this isn't exactly great news, there is a small upside in that you can deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your AGI. That includes Medicare premiums, as well as many other common expenses.

What is the extra standard deduction for seniors over 65?

For 2024, the additional standard deduction amounts for taxpayers who are 65 and older or blind are: $1,950 for Single or Head of Household (increase of $100) $1,550 for married taxpayers or Qualifying Surviving Spouse (increase of $50)

Can I deduct my health insurance premiums when I retire?

Can I deduct health insurance premiums taken from my pension check? Can I deduct health insurance premiums taken from my pension check? You can deduct your health insurance premiums as long as they are paid with after-tax dollars.

Can I deduct Medicare Part B premiums on my tax return?

Can you deduct Medicare Part B payments on your taxes? You can, but only if medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income and you're itemizing deductions.

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24 related questions found

Is there a deductible for Medicare Part B?

With Medicare Part B, you have a set deductible. For 2025, the Medicare Annual Part B deductible is $257.00, which you pay only once a year. After your deductible is met, you typically pay about 20% of the following: Most doctor services.

Can you deduct health insurance premiums without itemizing?

Whether you can deduct health insurance premiums from your tax return also depends on a few factors. First, you'll only be able to deduct premiums as medical expenses if you itemize deductions on your tax return, but not if you take the standard deduction. See more details at the bottom of this section.

How do I reduce Medicare premiums after retirement?

If your income has gone down, you may also use Form SSA-44 to request a reduction in your income-related monthly adjustment amount.

Can seniors deduct medical expenses on taxes?

Who can deduct a medical expenses? Households with at least one “elderly” or “disabled” person can deduct non-reimbursed medical costs over $35 a month. [7 U.S.C. § 2014(e)(5); 7 C.F.R.

Do 65 year olds get extra tax deductions?

Standard deduction for seniors – If you do not itemize your deductions, you can get a higher standard deduction amount if you and/or your spouse are 65 years old or older. You can get an even higher standard deduction amount if either you or your spouse is blind.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed?

Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.

At what age do seniors stop paying federal taxes?

Taxes aren't determined by age, so you will never age out of paying taxes. People who are 65 or older at the end of 2024 have to file a return for tax year 2024 (which is due in 2025) if their gross income is $16,550 or higher. If you're married filing jointly and both 65 or older, that amount is $32,300.

Can you deduct mortgage interest?

In most cases, you can deduct all of your home mortgage interest. How much you can deduct depends on the date of the mortgage, the amount of the mortgage, and how you use the mortgage proceeds.

Are there any federal tax breaks for retirees?

Extra standard deduction for people over 65

For example, a single 64-year-old taxpayer can claim a standard deduction of $14,600 on their 2024 tax return. However, a single 65-year-old taxpayer will get a $16,550 standard deduction for the 2024 tax year.

At what age do you stop paying Medicare tax?

There is no age limit. If you're still working and earning wages, you'll continue paying Medicare tax regardless of age.

What proof do I need to deduct medical expenses?

You should also keep a statement or itemized invoice showing:
  • What medical care was received.
  • Who received the care.
  • The nature and purpose of any medical expenses.
  • The amount of the other medical expenses.

Can seniors deduct Medicare premiums?

Medicare expenses can be tax-deductible, including premiums. Medicare expenses are deductible if they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.

What is the new standard deduction for seniors over 65?

For single filers and heads of households age 65 and over, the additional standard deduction will increase slightly — from $1,950 in 2024 (returns you'll file soon in early 2025) to $2,000 in 2025 (returns you'll file in early 2026).

How much medical bills can I deduct on my taxes?

Generally, you can deduct on Schedule A (Form 1040) only the amount of your medical and dental expenses that is more than 7.5% of your AGI.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

Does social security count as income for Medicare premiums?

Instead, premiums vary based on MAGI which includes all forms of taxable and non-taxable income – yes even social security benefits. To clarify further – take into account this stat: For Part B coverage alone in 2023, individuals with an annual income of $97,000 or less paid a standard premium of $164.90.

How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?

To be eligible for the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit, you must:
  1. Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
  2. Pay your own Part B premium.
  3. Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

Are there any deductions you can take without itemizing?

To reap the benefits of deductions without the hassle of itemization, Backman notes you'll need line items that fall into these categories — contributions to your IRA, contributions to your HSA (health savings account), expenses you incur as a teacher like purchasing classroom supplies, and interest on student loans.

What are the IRS rules for deducting health insurance premiums?

Any contributions made by you (or someone other than your employer) are fully deductible from your federal income taxes, even if you don't itemize your deductions. Any contributions to an HSA made by your employer — including contributions made through a cafeteria plan — will be excluded from your taxable income.

Is homeowners insurance tax deductible?

You may look for ways to reduce costs including turning to your tax return. Some taxpayers have asked if homeowner's insurance is tax deductible. Here's the skinny: You can only deduct homeowner's insurance premiums paid on rental properties. Homeowner's insurance is never tax deductible your main home.