Self-employed. Pay health insurance premiums for me & my 3 kids out of pocket. More expensive to be added to husband's work medical plan. Eligible to include my premiums?

[lovebug0813]

I'm self-employed. I purchased a health insurance plan through BCBS of NC for me and my 3 children and pay out of pocket for the premiums each month. My husband's health insurance is through his job but it would have been more expensive to add us to his work plan than it would have been to get an individual plan for me and the kids. His work didn't ask us if we wanted to be added or not but it is an option for family members to be added. Am I eligible to add my out of pocket premiums under the business section or not?  

I'm confused by the rule that says "If you or your spouse COULD participate (even if you declined coverage) in an EMPLOYER's health plan at any time during a given month, you CANNOT take the deduction for that month."

Are my kids and I considered declining coverage through my husband's employer's health plan or not?  Thanks!

[DDollar · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately no, you cannot deduct your health insurance premiums.  As you mentioned in your question, if you were eligible for coverage through your husband's employers' health plan, you cannot take the deduction for self-employed health insurance.  By not electing to be covered under your husband's employer's plan you are declining coverage.