I paid $5 on my own remaining for an eye exam after deducting costs by using my medical insurance. Does it count as medical expense?

[bbeep889404]

i used my medical insurance. But i had to pay $5 after the deduction. Does it count?

[KrisD15]

Yes, all "out-of-pocket" payments count.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes any medical you pay out of pocket can be a deduction.  BUT.....

You can only deduct the amount of unreimbursed Medical Expenses you actually paid over 7.5% of your AGI. So it might take a lot to be worth entering. 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 (16,550)

HOH 21,900 + 1,950 for 65 and over or blind (23,850)

Joint 29,200 + 1,550 for each 65 and over or blind (30,750/32,300)

Married filing Separate 14,600 + 1,550 for 65 and over or blind (16,150)

[xmasbaby0]

Co-pays count as medical expenses.   It is very difficult to use the medical expense deduction.  

MEDICAL EXPENSES

The medical expense deduction has to meet a rather large threshold before it can affect your return. The amount of medical (including dental, vision, etc.)  expenses that will count toward itemization is the amount that is OVER 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. You should only enter the amount that you paid in 2024—do not include any amounts that were covered by insurance or that are still outstanding.  Of course, your medical expenses plus your other itemized deductions still have to exceed your standard deduction before you will see a difference in your tax due or refund.

To enter your medical expenses go to Federal>Deductions and Credits>Medical>Medical Expenses

2024 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS

SINGLE $14,600    (65 or older/legally blind + $1950)

MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY            $14,600    (65 or older/legally blind + $1550)

MARRIED FILING JOINTLY $29,200    (65 or older/legally blind + $1550)

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD $21,900    (65 or older/legally blind + $1950)