What percent of my retirement income do I have to spend in medical to avoid paying federal taxes?

[khenningson711]

How much of my retirement income must be spent on medical costs to get more than the standard deduction?

[VolvoGirl]

You can only deduct the amount of unreimbursed Medical Expenses you actually paid over 7.5% of your AGI.  And then all your itemized deductions have to be more than the standard deduction to get any benefit (so you would only be getting the benefit of the amount that puts you over the standard deduction).  And since the Standard Deduction is increased more people will not need to Itemize.

For 2024 the standard deduction amounts are:

Single 14,600+1,950 for 65 and over or blind

HOH 21,900 + 1,950 for 65 and over or blind

Joint 29,200 +  1,550 for each 65 and over or blind (both 32,300)

Married filing Separate 14,600 + 1,550 for 65 and over or blind

[DoninGA]

Health care insurance premiums, including dental and vision insurance premiums, and other medical expenses that you paid with out of pocket funds and were not reimbursed are an eligible medical expense that you can deduct using Schedule A for itemized deductions. However, only your total medical expenses that are greater than 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) can be deducted. Your total itemized deductions reported on Form 1040 Schedule A must be greater than the standard deduction for your filing status to have any tax benefit.

Standard deductions for 2024

Single - $14,600 add $1,950 if age 65 or older
Married Filing Separately - $14,600 add $1,550 if age 65 or older
Married Filing Jointly - $29,200 add $1,550 for each spouse age 65 or older
Head of Household - $21,900 add $1,950 if age 65 or older

[fanfare]

Nice concept but there is no such tax forgiveness for people with illness. @khenningson711