Money Mentor: what help is available for medical expenses?

Question: I’m a farmer in my late 50s, and I find myself juggling medical expenses for my elderly parents and my three teenage children. My parents both have medical cards, but we are finding there are still costs not covered, like private consultations and other treatments. I’ve also heard nursing home fees might qualify for tax relief, but I don’t know where to start in looking into this.

Can you explain what reliefs are available for health expenses, how to qualify for a medical card, and how to claim these reliefs?

Answer: This is a common concern for many farming families. Medical expenses can be a significant burden, especially when supporting older parents and young children. Fortunately, there are schemes and reliefs that can ease the financial strain.

For those over 70, income limits are more generous, meaning a single person earning up to €550 per week or a couple earning up to €1,050 may qualify.

For those under 70, income is assessed differently, but even if slightly over the threshold, you might get a discretionary card if medical expenses are high. Applications can be made online through the HSE (mymedicalcard.ie) or via paper forms that are available locally.

Medical expenses

Did you know you can claim back 20% of many health-related costs from Revenue?

GP visits, consultant fees, prescriptions, speech therapy, and hearing aids are all covered. Farmers with specific needs – like those with coeliac disease or diabetes – can also claim relief for specialised foods. To claim for these foods, keep the receipts from the ‘free-from’ aisle and your doctor’s letter handy.

Those receiving treatment for kidney diseases can claim relief for travel to dialysis and utility costs for home treatments.

Similarly, parents of children with additional needs can claim physiotherapy or educational assessment expenses.

You haven’t mentioned if your parents are currently in a nursing home, but should this be the case either now or down the line, you can claim 40% tax relief on nursing home fees. Whether your parents are in care under the Fair Deal Scheme or privately, this is a significant benefit. Save every receipt, and don’t forget that relief applies retrospectively for up to four years.

In addition to the tax reliefs outlined above, there are several tax credits that you may also be eligible to avail of:

• Home Carer Tax Credit: If one spouse stays home to care for children, a relative, or an incapacitated person, this credit offers up to €1,700.

• Dependent Relative Tax Credit: This relief provides €245 for those supporting elderly or dependent relatives.

• Blind Person’s Tax Credit: Worth €1,650 per year, or €3,300 if both partners are blind. Expenses for guide dogs also qualify for relief.

• Age Tax Credit: Available for those aged 65 or older – €245 for individuals or €490 for married couples or civil partners where one or both are aged 65 or over.

What about farm workers?

Farmers often ask if they can claim relief for medical expenses incurred by employees, such as costs arising from workplace injuries or health checks required by the job. While these expenses are not eligible for personal tax relief, they may be deductible as a business expense.

Farmers face unique challenges, and mental health is becoming a priority in rural communities. Relief is available for counselling or therapy services.

Similarly, unexpected emergency costs – such as injuries sustained while working with machinery – can also qualify for tax relief if appropriately documented.

Farmers often focus on keeping clear records for farm operations, and the same principle applies here. Set up a simple system for medical receipts, doctor’s letters and proof of payments. Remember, claims can be made for expenses incurred in the last four years.

Caring for family is part of farm life, and there is financial help available. Whether it’s tax credits, medical cards, or relief for unexpected costs, don’t let opportunities pass by. Ask your accountant for guidance tailored to your situation—you might be surprised by what you’re entitled to.

Tax reliefs can help you save 20% of medical costs and 40% on nursing homes, while tax credits could help you save up to €5,735 depending on your entitlements. Keep receipts and records – your claims will be valid for up to four years.

Marty Murphy is head of tax at ifac, which is the professional services firm for farming, food and agribusinesses.