Margaret CPA in OH

Atypical of me to chime in on these sorts of posts, but, since you raise the "life style choice" issue, I wonder about paying for the health care of those who choose certain life styles, i.e., smoking, drinking, speeding, drug usage, overeating, etc. In my local paper today was a letter headlined "Universal care means people die." The writer continues that she has cancer (unspecified) and now has good insurance. The says, "While all Americans should have access to health care, it should not be at the expense of anyone else." I wonder if she understands that perhaps, should she lose her job (or whoever has the insurance loses the job), that good insurance will disappear. She would find it challenging to obtain individual coverage with her pre-existing condition. I imagine she would gladly refuse Medicaid coverage as it would be at someone else's expense. I also wonder what she thinks happens to those who now do not have access to health care due to joblessness, homelessness, etc. Many times they die and not from universal health care. One of my clients is a clinic for the homeless, mentally ill. Many times they die.

This has to be one of the best I've seen regarding the list of what the young of today have always or never experienced. Best because of the prelude, the larger type (thanks!) and the PS! KC, keep 'em comin'!

:bday: and many more!

:bday: and many more!

That's what I was thinking, too, Taxbilly. My question also relates to a fixed payment monthly covering all outstanding debt, medical, credit card and who knows? How would I determine the medical expense portion? A simple ratio? Or perhaps in the documents it is specified as to dollar amounts going to specific creditors. And what about the payments being made through an intermediary? When I get the documents, hopefully, I will have a better grasp of the situation. I just wondered, having had not prior experience, if there was any effect with the Ch 13. Thanks again for replying. Perhaps I should have waited to ask any questions here. Sorry to have used up so much brain power and time prematurely!

Thanks for your comments, Jainen. The surviving son did not qualify as a dependent in 2008; I think they were hoping he did but he lived on his own, made more than $10,000 and they did not provide more than 50% of his support, etc. The deceased 20 year old was most certainly their dependent. He became ill originally just prior to high school graduation and never made more than a couple thousand dollars as he played in a band. He lived at home and was in treatment (chemo, radiation, etc.) repeatedly. He was covered under dad's insurance (as a dependent) to the limits but the bills greatly exceeded the limits. I don't know whether they consulted an attorney. I should find out more in the next few days when the court and other documents are provided. The client said that no bills were forgiven just that they had to pay through an intermediary set up, I believe, by the court. That is my problem. I am unfamiliar with the effects of Ch 13 and whether these medical bills would be deductible. I don't know how a fixed monthly payment through an intermediary would be allocable, if at all. It's for sure they never consulted anyone regarding the tax ramifications of anything. Then again, going through a 2 year struggle with a son's terminal brain cancer and the massive grief ensuing death, well, I am not so sure I would be fully functioning either. I hope to have more details soon. I just don't know anything about Ch. 13 and need to get educated really soon!

Thanks to you both. I was hoping that expenses paid in 2008 would be deductible for 2008 and pub. 502 says yes. I still don't grasp how Ch 13 fits into this. Guess I will have to see the documents they have and the arrangements for payments first. Thanks again.

A new client asked me to extend their return and said they likely owed nothing or a small amount. I extended with no tax due. I finally got the documents. They owe about $1300 at least in part because one son filed for himself unexpectedly. The real question relates to deductions. I asked about medical bills and was told that they are still paying on their now deceased (other) son's bills but had to file Ch. 13. No debt was forgiven but payments are managed through a mediator. The deceased son (really sad story, 20 years old, died of brain cancer, WAS a dependent for tax purposes in 2007) was covered by some insurance for catastrophe (dad's policy, he's a mail carrier) but thousands of dollars were not covered. Since much of this was paid in 2008, is any deductible? Must they have been paid in the same year as treatment? How does Ch 13 fit into this? I've never had one before. Thanks for any help!

:bday: and many more!

You just reminded me that my book hasn't arrived yet. Gotta check on it now! I know it was charged already.

:bday: and many more!

:bday: and many more!

:bday: and many more!

:bday: and many more!

:bday: and many more!

:bday: and many more!

:bday: and many more!

I was so impressed by your description and in such great need! that I immediately ordered a used copy from Amazon. I hope it helps! Thanks for the suggestion, John.

My auto update downloaded IE 8. I always do the custom install as I want to pick and choose what to install and know what it is. I looked online for pros and cons for IE 8 and have decided to wait awhile. Now how do I get rid of the downloaded update?

Booger, I see that the lull since tax season has not dulled your fondness for dear Catherine. She is a dear to wish you good luck. And do let us know the outcome of your adventure!

My condolences, Taxbilly...

:bday: and many more!

:bday: and many more!

:bday: and many more!

What a scary story! It sounds as though you've been in this environment (your camp) often and only this time have experienced such a reaction. It's amazing how fast that came on and what a blessing the response was quick and correct enough to save you. I agree - most of us take life too much for granted. We here are all relieved that you are still here with us!