sonofadevildoc
04-24-2008, 13:39
Quick heads up guys. I was going to file my dad's taxes to get him into the economic stimulus checks the Gov. is handing out. He is fully retired on Soc. Security, and non-service connected disability with Medicare Part A. Under these circumstances he's qualified for zero copay on meds, which would run us $120/mo on a $5 copay per script.
Something told me to check up on this before filing, and I am glad I did. According to the Eligibility office in the VA, it does not consider the Stimulus check as a tax return but rather additional income. If you are in the same situation as my dad and have signed on to receive the check, it could well cost you. Provided this isn't going to be accounted for in the 2009 means test(Form 1010-EZR) guidelines(hope for the best prep for the worst). Anyways make it a point to save receipts for any care you received outside of the VA system this year. Below is copied a list of eligible expenses from the VA means test. Note that this is only some but not all qualifying deductions:
Acupuncture services
Ambulatory services
Anesthetist
Back care(supports, Sacroiliac belt, Chiropractor)
Cardiographs
Dental services/Oral Surgery
Dermatologist
Dietetic food or beverage as prescribed by doctor
Gynecology/Obstetrics
Insurance premiums(medical only)/Supp.Medical Insurance, Medicare Part B payment
Lab Tests
Medication(Prescriptions and Medication, Insulin treatment and supplies for diabetics, supplements, Vaccines)
Mental Health Services (Psychiatrist/Psychoanalyst/Psychologist/Psychotherapy)
Neurology
Nuclear Medicine (X-Rays,Radium Therapy)
Optician/Optometrist/Opthalmology/Eyeglasses
Osteopath
Pediatrician
Podiatry Care/Chiropodist
Prosthetics (Artificial limbs, Arch Supports, Orthotics, Orthopedic shoes, Dentures, Artificial teeth, hearing aid and batteries, seeing eye dogs and maintenance, telephone/teletype equipment for deaf)
Rehab services and supplies(Phys. Therapy, Occ. Therapy, Speech Therapy, Convalescent home, splints, braces, crutches, wheelchair, hydrotherapy,invalid chair, home health/nursing services for medical care, lip reading lessons to overcome handicap)
Surgeons
Transportation expenses for medical purposes ($0.20/mi)Hopefully this list will also help you people who are on co-pay get off it. Things aren't getting cheaper out there.
Something told me to check up on this before filing, and I am glad I did. According to the Eligibility office in the VA, it does not consider the Stimulus check as a tax return but rather additional income. If you are in the same situation as my dad and have signed on to receive the check, it could well cost you. Provided this isn't going to be accounted for in the 2009 means test(Form 1010-EZR) guidelines(hope for the best prep for the worst). Anyways make it a point to save receipts for any care you received outside of the VA system this year. Below is copied a list of eligible expenses from the VA means test. Note that this is only some but not all qualifying deductions:
Acupuncture services
Ambulatory services
Anesthetist
Back care(supports, Sacroiliac belt, Chiropractor)
Cardiographs
Dental services/Oral Surgery
Dermatologist
Dietetic food or beverage as prescribed by doctor
Gynecology/Obstetrics
Insurance premiums(medical only)/Supp.Medical Insurance, Medicare Part B payment
Lab Tests
Medication(Prescriptions and Medication, Insulin treatment and supplies for diabetics, supplements, Vaccines)
Mental Health Services (Psychiatrist/Psychoanalyst/Psychologist/Psychotherapy)
Neurology
Nuclear Medicine (X-Rays,Radium Therapy)
Optician/Optometrist/Opthalmology/Eyeglasses
Osteopath
Pediatrician
Podiatry Care/Chiropodist
Prosthetics (Artificial limbs, Arch Supports, Orthotics, Orthopedic shoes, Dentures, Artificial teeth, hearing aid and batteries, seeing eye dogs and maintenance, telephone/teletype equipment for deaf)
Rehab services and supplies(Phys. Therapy, Occ. Therapy, Speech Therapy, Convalescent home, splints, braces, crutches, wheelchair, hydrotherapy,invalid chair, home health/nursing services for medical care, lip reading lessons to overcome handicap)
Surgeons
Transportation expenses for medical purposes ($0.20/mi)Hopefully this list will also help you people who are on co-pay get off it. Things aren't getting cheaper out there.