My company charges a tobacco surcharge for our medical insurance. Can I claim this surcharge under my medical expenses?

[fred-frahm]

I have also selected a Hospital Indemnity option which pays a once per year cash payment if I am hospitalized. Is this premium tax deductible?

[MaryK4]

If your premiums are paid through your employer, they are most likely pre-tax and not deductible.  However, they would qualify for deductible medical expenses if they are not pre-tax.

[fred-frahm]

Just to make sure, on my pay statement my Dental, PPO Plan, and Vision deductions have a note that states, "Excluded from federal taxable wages".  Is this what you mean by pre-tax?

If my above question's answer is, yes that is pre-tax, then since the Tobacco Surcharge does not have the above note, would it mean that I can deduct this surcharge on my taxes?

[ShirlynW · Accepted solution]

No, you cannot deduct the tobacco surcharge as part of your medical insurance.

[fred-frahm]

Thank you for the answer Shirlyn about the tobacco surcharge. 

But my first question is still unanswered.  Just to make sure, on my pay statement my Dental, PPO Plan, and Vision deductions have a note that states, "Excluded from federal taxable wages".  Are these items considered pre-tax?  It seems like they are considered pre-tax given the note applied to them.

[ThomasM125 · Accepted solution]

Yes, anything that is excluded from federal taxable wages would be considered pre-tax.