Self employed retiree with health care premium from previous employer.

[rj-assoc]

 I am a married self employed retiree.  I understand that I can deduct my wife and my Medicare Part B. I also pay after tax for a retiree plan  for both of us offered by my former employer.  Is that deductible as a health insurance premium business expense?

[Rachel_W · Accepted solution]

Yes, the amount you pay after tax for the health insurance plan offered by your former employer for you and your wife is also deductible on your Schedule C as self-employed health insurance.

To enter, please follow these instructions:

• Open up your return
• Enter "health insurance premiums paid, self-employed" in the Search box located in the upper right of your screen
• Click on “Jump to health insurance premiums paid, self-employed” link
• Answer the screen prompt interview questions.

Note: If you want your Medicare premiums to be part of the self-employed health insurance deduction, do not enter your Medicare premiums when entering the information from your SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits), enter it following the instructions above.

[terimac4]

Thank you-that's what I thought.

If I pay through Cobra, would that be different since I am paying the costs directly? (I am thinking when I terminate my employment with that company)

[VolvoGirl]

I think the answer above is wrong. 

And this says  Cobra goes on schedule A itemized deductions.  Where to enter Health Ins if you are self employed. 
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/insurance-medical-benefits/enter-health-...

Deducting Health Ins for the Self Employed
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-credits-deductions/deduct-health-ins...

[terimac4]

It makes sense (after I thought about it). Employers are taking it out pre-tax so I can't claim it again.