Your Guide to Medicare Premiums and Taxes

Medicare health insurance premiums can add up to big bucks — especially if you’re upper-income, married, and you and your spouse both pay premiums. Read on to understand how taxes fit in. Premiums for Part B coverage  Medicare Part B coverage is commonly called Medicare medical insurance. Part B mainly covers doctors’ visits and outpatient services. Eligible individuals must pay monthly premiums for this benefit. Medicare is generally for people 65 or older. It’s also available earlier to some people with disabilities, and those with end-stage renal disease and ALS. The monthly premium for the current year depends on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), as reported on your Form 1040 for two years earlier. MAGI is the adjusted gross income (AGI) number on your Form 1040 plus...

Deducting Medicare Premiums

Americans who are 65 and older qualify for basic Medicare insurance.  However, to get the level of coverage they desire, they may need to pay additional premiums. The premiums can be expensive, especially if you’re married and both you and your spouse are paying them. But one aspect of paying premiums might be positive. If you qualify, deducting Medicare premiums may help lower your tax bill. Medicare premium tax deductions Premiums for Medicare health insurance can be combined with other qualifying health care expenses.  Collectively, they allow you to claim an itemized deduction for medical expenses on your individual tax return. This includes amounts for “Medigap” insurance and Medicare Advantage plans. Some people buy Medigap policies because Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover all their health...