Medical expenses as part of an experimental drug trial

[DB1990]

My child is part of an experimental drug trial where all expenses are reimbursed by the drug company. Can I claim those as part of my medical expenses for the year?

[VolvoGirl]

No, not if they are reimbursed.  Only the expenses you actually pay for out of pocket.  

[zclar]

Hi DB1990! Thank you for your question.

According to the IRS, you can include in medical expenses only those amounts paid during the tax year for which you received no insurance or other reimbursement. Any medical expenses you get reimbursed for, such as by your insurance or employer, can't be deducted.

Here are helpful resources to help further:

Are Medical Expenses Tax Deductible? 

How Do You Treat Reimbursements? 

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[BonnieI]

Hi @DB1990 

Thank you for joining our Event today.  I hope your Child has positive results with the Trial and prayers for healing.  Please see the links provided by @zclar regarding reimbursed medical expenses.   Taxpayers are considered Cash basis meaning you can only deduct qualifying expenses if actually paid.  Below are some additional TurboTax Articles regarding medical expenses.

The Ultimate Medical Expense Deductions Checklist

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/health-care/medical-expenses-checklist/L6MkxxlyW

Deducting Medical Expenses for a Major Illness or Injury

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/health-care/deducting-medical-expenses-for-a-major-illness-or-i...

We hope this information is useful and please reach out with any additional questions.

Thank you for using TurboTax Live!

Bonnie,

TTLive, Quality Reviewer Tax Expert