What exactly are medical deductions?

Question

I had a lot of medical expenses in 2006, however I did have insurance cover some of it.

Do I claim only the expenses in which I paid out of pocket for, even if there is a balance due at the end of the year?

I can also claim copays, prescription costs, medical items need for procedures, correct?

What proof do I need to show for expense to travel back and forth to doctor offices?

I read the information on the IRS site and I'm sorry to say I'm too thick in the head to understand it.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Milage to/from doctors office, milage to/from pharmacy, deductibles paid, copays, prescriptions cost, premiums, can't think of anything else. It only counts if it is more than 7.5% of your total income.

Answer 2

Any out of pocket expenses for medical including everything you mentioned above. You can only deduct what you actually paid; not what insurance paid or what is left unpaid at the end of the year. Also, over-the-counter items are not deductable even if the doctor recommends them.

For mileage, some sort of written log bog would suffice. Anything, as long as it is written down.

Answer 3

you can claim any out of pocket expenses that were NOT reimbursed by insurance. also if you paid by credit card but did not yet pay your credit card bill, these expenses are also deductible. yes, expenses include all of the above. note that any expenses relating to cosmetic surgery is not deductible.

Answer 4

Wayne Z has given you good information.

In addition, you can only deduct the expenses if you itemize, and have to reduce your total expenses by 7.5% of your adjusted gross income - you only get to claim the part that's above this.