Retirement Planning Common Questions

Can I deduct premiums paid for long-term care insurance (LTCI)?

Answer:

It depends on several factors. Your LTCI contract must be a qualified one, and the total of your medical expenses (including your LTCI deduction) must exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI). Qualified LTCI premiums are deductible as medical expenses (subject to the 7.5 percent of AGI floor) within certain limits, based on your age.

If you bought your policy before January 1, 1997, and it met the requirements of the state in which it was issued, it is automatically considered a qualified policy. LTCI contracts issued subsequently are only considered qualified for a tax deduction if they meet certain federal standards. In 2008, qualified LTCI premiums are deductible as medical expenses (subject to the 7.5 percent of AGI floor) within the following limits, based on your age at the end of the tax year:

Age:	Limit on Deduction:
40 or less	$310 (up from $290 in 2007)
41-50	$580 (up from $550 in 2007)
51-60	$1,150 (up from $1,110 in 2007)
61-70	$3,080 (up from $2,950 in 2007)
71 and older	$3,850 (up from $3,680 in 2007)

For more information, consult a tax professional.

GE 50289 (12/09)

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