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medical deductions

medicaltaxquestions — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 21:26:33 GMT

My husband is disabled. We have had significant medical costs this year as we have set up our home for daily life. Lists for deductible items is never complete : I am looking to determine if items of person care are deductible .... for example>>arm and bed slings, hand brace, diapers, creams for care of buttocks/pereneal areas, slant board, bed pillows for positioning, mattress pads for incontinence, thermometers, blood pressure kit, bandages, body wipes... (for just a few things we use for daily care) . He is confined to bed due to head injury and paralysis .... Can not find a simple answer to these items. thank you .

Re: medical deductions

LenaH — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 21:41:16 GMT

Yes, those expenses are deductible.

Deductible medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners. They include the costs of equipment, supplies, and diagnostic devices needed for these purposes.

Generally, you can deduct on Schedule A (Form 1040) only the amount of your medical and dental expenses that is more than 7.5% of your AGI. In addition, you must itemize your deductions (rather than taking the standard deduction) in order to receive a tax benefit.

Publication 502 - Medical & Dental Expenses

Re: medical deductions

medicaltaxquestions — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 22:11:04 GMT

Thank you . This has been most helpful. The Pub 502 is not as clear as you have been .