MEDICAL BILLS

Along with switching provider over the next few weeks, another deadline is fast approaching that is relevant to saving money on health costs – the self-employed tax deadline on October 31.

The Sunday Business Post reports on the introduction of prescription charges for medical card holders from Friday but notes there are still some ways for people to reduce their health costs.

Prime among these are the tax reliefs available on qualifying medical bills. Relief is available at the standard rate of 20% on a wide range of medical expenses including:

• Doctors and consultants’ fees
• Prescribed medication
• Physiotherapy prescribed by a doctor
• Laser eye surgery
• Orthodontics

The reliefs don’t cover basic visits to the optician or dentist, or the cost of contact lenses or glasses. However, they do cover such items as gluten-free food for coeliacs and diabetics can claim for certain products.