I currently have to pay my Medicare Part B premiums in advance, three months at a time.
My bill for January, February and March 2026 is due December 25. I paid my bill on December 21 with my Visa credit card.
Since I am not being reimbursed for that cost, it is eligible to be included on Federal 1040 Schedule A as a "medical expense".
I paid the bill in 2025. But it's for coverage in 2026.
I'd like to claim it as a "2026 medical expense" - that seems logical to me. Would the IRS approve of that?
Or since I had to pay the bill in 2025 do I have to claim it as a "2025 medical expense"?
I couldn't find the answer to my question in IRS Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses.
And the IRS "chat bot" (or whatever it is) wouldn't let me talk to a person.
I know this is not the IRS, but this seems like a common situation so I thought I'd ask.
Thank you!
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Since it was paid in 2025 then it is a valid medical expense to be entered as an itemized deduction on the 2025 Schedule A. There is no need to designate this payment as for 2026 Medicare premium.
Health care insurance premiums, including dental and vision insurance premiums, and other medical expenses that you paid with out of pocket funds and were not reimbursed are an eligible medical expense that you can deduct using Schedule A for itemized deductions. However, only your total medical expenses that are greater than 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) can be deducted. Your total itemized deductions reported on Form 1040 Schedule A must be greater than the standard deduction for your filing status to have any tax benefit.
Standard deductions for 2025
Single - $15.750 add $2,000 if age 65 or older
Married Filing Separately - $15,750 add $1,600 if age 65 or older
Married Filing Jointly - $31,500 add $1,600 for each spouse age 65 or older
Head of Household - $23,625 add $2,000 if age 65 or older
To enter your medical expenses -
Click on Federal Taxes (Personal using Home and Business)
Click on Deductions and Credits
Click on I'll choose what I work on (if shown)
Scroll down to Medical
On Medical Expenses, click the start or update button
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