Can I deduct health insurance premiums taken from my pension check?

[sampena1]

I don't have any Federal Income tax withheld from my monthly pension check, but I did pay $4,138.32 for medical insurance this year (deducted from my check).  Why do I have to pay taxes on that portion of my income?

[ehbono]

On my 1099R what does the amount in box 5 mean?

[WillK · Accepted solution]

You can deduct your health insurance premiums as long as they are paid with after-tax dollars. If you pay for your health insurance premiums with pre-tax dollars then you cannot deduct the premiums. 

[smjcwright]

Where then on the 1040 form do I put that amount, it had a spot for it last year 2024, in the retirement section in wages and income, but not this year?

[ThomasM125]

Health insurance premiums would be entered as medical expenses, an itemized deduction. You would enter the amount in the Deductions and Credits section of TurboTax, then Medical and then Medical Expenses. The deduction will only benefit you on your federal tax return if you have enough itemized deductions to surpass your standard deduction. Also, medical expenses are only deductible to the extent the total of them exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.

@smjcwright