The issue of insurance coverage is still a concern to me. Whether San Jose lasik, or any other city in California, my medical insurance does not want to cover the procedure. I visited my HR department, and found that there is an option to set aside part of my paycheck for medical procedures. This money that is set aside is pre tax, which is nice. And, the San Jose lasik procedure qualifies as a justfiable medical write off.  This obviously is not as good as having my medical insurance pick up the tab, but at least it is somewhat of a financial benefit to not be taxed on the money I spend for the procedure.

I still have not committed to the lasik procedure however. each morning I get up and don my spectacles. I guess I’ve gotten so used to wearing glasses it doesn’t enter my mind too often to have the procedure. Besides, I teach in an environment where eye protection is required, so I would be wearing glasses of some kind anyway.

Well, that’s my story. Maybe it will change when I retire….. but by then, I’ll probably have to wear reading glasses anyway…ha!  Oh, well.

Keep in mind, that technology is constantly evolving, and lasik operations are becoming more and more sophisticated. In time, lasik may become a thing of the past as it gives way to a new and revolutionary technology that helps us see better by some non-invasive procedure.

The reason the IRS allows this is because Lasik surgery has been deemed as a procedure that promotes proper body function. Hence, breast enlargements and teeth whitening are not deductible, while Lasik surgery is. Clearly, teeth whitening and such kinds of elective procedures don’t enhance body function.

In addition to writing off the laser eye treatment, the IRS allows you to deduct the adjunct expenses connected with the Lasik. Meaning, it is allowed to deduct medical co-pays, prescriptions, and travel-related expenses such as lodging, food, and mileage to and from the clinic. Likewise, the IRS allows one to deduct Lasik surgery and expenses for those you claim as dependents on your tax return.

Medical expenses are deducted using Schedule A, related to the IRS form 1040. As is common with other deductions, the total expenses deducted are only those that exceed 7.5% of your AGI (adjusted gross income.) It is helpful that you can deduct not just the surgery, but the related expenses, to reach beyond the 7.5%.

This deduction shouldn’t be your catalyst to go get unnecessary eye surgery. However, run the numbers of the surgery (and related costs) against the 7.5% of your AGI and if you have contemplated Lasik surgery in the past, this may be the right time and the right motivation to get the surgery done and get a tax write-off.

Having a good tax strategy includes this type of deduction, for example, which is something you may have overlooked in the past.