Does Medicare count as self-employed health insurance?

Asked by: Junior Nienow  |  Last update: July 13, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (37 votes)

If you're self-employed and receive Medicare, you might be able to deduct all your Medicare insurance premiums. The IRS has ruled that Medicare recipients who have self-employment income may deduct the premiums they pay for Medicare coverage, the same as the premiums for any other type of health insurance.

Can Medicare be claimed as self-employed health insurance?

Yes, they are deductible if you have qualifying insurance and if you're an eligible self-employed individual. Qualifying health insurance includes medical insurance, qualifying long-term care coverage and all Medicare premiums (Parts A, B, C and D).

What is considered self-employed health insurance?

If you run a business that produces income and has no employees, you're considered self-employed. You can buy health coverage through the individual Health Insurance Marketplace ®. You're not considered an employer only because you hire independent contractors to do some work.

Are self-employed persons covered by Medicare?

Although self-employed people don't have employers to chip in toward these funds, they're still responsible for paying into Social Security and Medicare. Because there's no employer to contribute half the amount, self-employed workers must pay the full 15.3 percent.

Does Medicare count as health insurance?

Medicare Part B, also known as medical insurance, covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services. Medicare Parts A and B combined is also known as “Original Medicare.”

Self-Employed Medicare Deduction

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Is Medicare considered qualified health coverage?

Part A coverage (including coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan) is considered qualifying health coverage. Want to learn more about Form 1095-B and qualifying health coverage? Get official information from the IRS.

How much is health insurance for self-employed people?

Health insurance is a necessity—even if you're self-employed. The federal or state health insurance marketplace is the best place to look for a plan. Health insurance plans for self-employed people start at around $350 a month.

How do I know if I am self-employed?

A person is self-employed if they run their business for themselves and take responsibility for its success or failure. Self-employed workers are not paid through PAYE, and they do not have the rights and responsibilities of an employee.

Can I delay Medicare if I'm self-employed?

Self-Employed with Marketplace coverage

Because a Marketplace plan doesn't qualify you to delay Medicare without financial penalty, you will need to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period around age 65.

What type of insurance should a self-employed person have?

Types of self-employed insurance you should consider include: Disability and life insurance. Health insurance. Dental and other insurance.

Is $200 a month a lot for health insurance?

Is $200 a month expensive for health insurance in California? Health insurance that costs $200 per month is a good deal in California. Silver plans typically cost $513 per month for a 21-year-old or $656 per month for a 40-year-old.

How to get good health insurance when self-employed?

Generally, if you run your own business and have no employees, or are self-employed, your business won't qualify for group coverage. You can purchase qualified health coverage through the Marketplace for individuals and families. With an Individual Marketplace plan, you can: Find coverage for yourself and your family.

Who is not eligible for the self-employed health insurance deduction?

The deduction cannot exceed the earned income you collect from your business. For example, if your self-employment activity is a sole proprietorship that generated a tax loss for the year, you're not allowed to claim the deduction because the business didn't generate any positive earned income.

Can I deduct my Medicare premiums on my taxes?

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.

How do I pay into Social Security and Medicare if I am self-employed?

As a self-employed individual, estimated tax is the method used to pay Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes; this is because you do not have an employer withholding these taxes for you. Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals PDF, is used to figure these taxes.

What qualifies you as self-employed?

Generally, you are self-employed if: You are in business for yourself (including a part-time business) You work as a sole proprietor or an independent contractor. You are a partner of a partnership that carries on a trade or business.

Who does the IRS consider self-employed?

Self-employed people must report their earnings and pay their taxes directly to the IRS. You're self-employed if you operate a trade, business, or profession, either by yourself or as a partner. You report your earnings for Social Security when you file your federal income tax return.

How do I classify myself as self-employed?

If you are a business owner or contractor who provides services to other businesses, then you are generally considered self-employed. For more information on your tax obligations if you are self-employed (an independent contractor), see our Self-employed individuals tax center.

Who is not eligible for Obamacare?

Must live in the United States. Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present). Learn about eligible immigration statuses. Cannot be incarcerated in prison or jail.

Does Medicare count as insurance?

Original Medicare

A fee-for-service health insurance program that has 2 parts: Part A and Part B. You typically pay a portion of the costs for covered services as you get them. Under Original Medicare, you don't have coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan or another type of Medicare health plan.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Is Medicare enough for health insurance?

Original Medicare—meaning exclusively Part A and Part B—is less than comprehensive insurance, for two reasons: It does not cover at least 20% of your medical costs. It does not cover prescriptions.