Ohio Unreimbursed Medical Premium Deduction - for Retiree in Former Employer Plan

[Anna161]

I am retired but not yet on Medicare.  I am in my former employers retiree health care plan.  Can I deduct my annual premium cost under Unreimbursed Medical and Health Care Expenses (Ohio)?  I believe the retiree health care plan is partially subsidized by the company, but I pay all premiums with after tax dollars of course.  

[Hal_Al]

Simple answer: No.

Actual answer: yes but only as part of your total medical expenses. 

Ohio has a two part medical deduction.  Medical expenses are only deductible subject to the same 7.5% of AGI rule used for the federal medical deduction. Unsubsidized medical insurance premiums are deductible, not subject to the 7.5% threshold.

Ohio changed the medical expenses worksheet (and TurboTax changed the interview). You don't see the word "subsidized" anymore.  Instead you are first asked if you had "Employer paid or Medicare Health Insurance Plan". When you answer yes, you will not be given a separate box to enter insurance premiums. Include your insurance premiums with total medical expenses.

[Anna161]

Thank you.  The terminology of "employer-paid health care plan" on the Ohio Schedule A Form, line 35 is confusing, as one might think it is for current employees.  Also, one might not be aware of how much (if any) a former employer actually contributes to a retiree health care plan, and it could be a very small percentage.