I currently have to pay my Medicare Part B premiums in advance, three months at a time.
My bill for January, February and March 2026 is due December 25. I paid my bill on December 21 with my Visa credit card.
Since I am not being reimbursed for that cost, it is eligible to be included on Federal 1040 Schedule A as a "medical expense".
I paid the bill in 2025. But it's for coverage in 2026.
I'd like to claim it as a "2026 medical expense" - that seems logical to me. Would the IRS approve of that?
Or since I had to pay the bill in 2025 do I have to claim it as a "2025 medical expense"?
I couldn't find the answer to my question in IRS Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses.
And the IRS "chat bot" (or whatever it is) wouldn't let me talk to a person.
I know this is not the IRS, but this seems like a common situation so I thought I'd ask.
Thank you!
