Can seniors deduct health insurance premiums?

Asked by: Tre Langworth  |  Last update: November 16, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (45 votes)

Medical expenses are often one of the largest expenses for retired people. Fortunately, some medical expenses are deductible. These include health insurance premiums (including Medicare premiums), long-term care insurance premiums, prescription drugs, nursing home care, and most other out-of-pocket heath care expenses.

Can I deduct health insurance premiums if retired?

Primarily, you will have to itemize your deductions and total unreimbursed medical expenses, which include health insurance premiums, and must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

How much can a senior deduct of medical expenses?

How Is the 7.5 Percent of Adjusted Gross Income Calculated? According to the IRS, you can deduct only the part of your medical and dental expenses that exceeds 7.5 percent of the amount of your adjusted gross income.

What is the IRS 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)

What are the rules for deducting health insurance premiums?

Generally, you are allowed to deduct health insurance rates on your taxes if you itemize your deductions, pay your health insurance premiums directly, and your medical expenses totaled more than 7.5% of your income for the year.

Can you deduct health insurance premiums without itemizing?

21 related questions found

Is it worth claiming medical expenses on taxes?

The medical expense deduction covers a wide variety of expenses. However, because of the high Standard Deduction and the 7.5% of AGI threshold requirement, it can be difficult to benefit unless you have a lot of out-of-pocket costs.

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.

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.

Are Medicare premiums tax deductible?

Yes, Medicare premiums are tax deductible as a medical expense as long as you meet two requirements. First, you must itemize your deductions on your tax return to deduct them from your taxable income. Second, only medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) are deductible.

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.

Do seniors still get an extra tax deduction?

Taxpayers 65 and older qualify for an additional standard deduction, reducing their taxable income. The extra deduction amount differs based on filing status and whether the taxpayer or spouse is blind. The IRS updates the deduction amounts annually for inflation, impacting tax filings.

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.

Are eyeglasses tax deductible?

The money spent on reading or prescription eyeglasses can be considered a tax-deductible medical expense. By categorizing glasses under "medical expenses" and itemizing deductions on form 104, Schedule A, you may be able to lower your tax burden.

Can I claim my health insurance on taxes?

If you paid the premiums for a policy you obtained yourself, (such as through the marketplace) your health insurance premium is deductible when they are out-of-pocket costs.

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.

Can you deduct health insurance premiums without itemizing?

Self-employed health insurance

If you're self-employed, you can deduct any insurance premiums for you, your spouse and dependents. You can also deduct any premiums for long-term care (LTC) insurance you paid during the year.

Can I deduct Medicare premiums taken out of my Social Security check?

Yes! Taxpayers have the option of deducting their Medicare premiums from their taxes, but there's a catch: you can only deduct expenses that exceed a certain portion of your income.

Can I deduct Medicare Part B premiums on my taxes with TurboTax?

Yes, if you are itemizing any medical insurance premiums, including supplements, are deductible. Hope this helps!

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).

Does Social Security count as income?

Your benefits may be taxable if the total of (1) one-half of your benefits, plus (2) all of your other income, including tax-exempt interest, is greater than the base amount for your filing status.

Do seniors over 70 need to do federal tax returns every year?

In reality, Social Security is taxed at any age if your income exceeds a certain level. Essentially, if your taxable income is greater than the Standard Deduction for your filing status, you'll typically have to file a tax return.

Can you deduct your car insurance on your taxes?

You can typically deduct some or all of your car insurance premiums if you're self-employed or own a business and drive your car for work. The amount you can deduct depends on how much you use the car for business-related purposes.

What household things can you claim on taxes?

If you itemize, you can deduct these expenses:
  • Bad debts.
  • Canceled debt on home.
  • Capital losses.
  • Donations to charity.
  • Gains from sale of your home.
  • Gambling losses.
  • Home mortgage interest.
  • Income, sales, real estate and personal property taxes.

Can you write off closing costs?

The only way to deduct your closing costs is to provide a list of itemized deductions. This requires a bit of forethought. You can't take the standard deduction while also deducting your original closing costs. Therefore, it's up to you to pick which one offers the best tax advantages for your finances.