The definition of what constitutes a qualified medical expense is very broad and includes expenses to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease. However, cosmetic surgery is not deductible unless it is related to disfigurement from a congenital abnormality, accidental injury, or a disfiguring disease. Other examples of nondeductible medical expenses are nonprescription drugs, doctor prescribed travel for "rest," and expenses for the improvement of your general health such as a weight loss program or health club fees (the weight loss program is deductible if it is to treat a specific disease).
Examples of deductible medical expenses include:
- Acupuncture
- Alcoholism treatment
- Ambulance costs
- Birth control pills
- Child birth classes
- Chiropractors
- Contact lenses
- Crutches
- Dentist
- Dentures
- Doctor fees
- Drug addiction treatment
- Prescription drugs
- Dyslexia reading programs and tutors
- Eye examination and glasses
- Guide dogs
- Health insurance
- Hearing aids
- Hospital bills
- Insulin
- Laboratory fees
- Long-term care insurance
- Nursing home (if for medical treatment)
- Optometrist
- Osteopath
- Physical therapy
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- Travel to medical clinics
- Vasectomy
- Wheelchair
With the overturning of Roe v Wade, abortions are deductible if performed in a state where the procedure is legally allowed.
This list does not contain every medical deduction available.
