Medical Insurance Checks: Made Out To Who ?

Question

Hello,For some time now, I have been paying my son's Blue Cross medical insurance totally as he has been out of work for some time.I take him as a Dependent, and I also take a Medical Deductionfor his medical insurance that I have been paying.I have been writing the check directly to Blue Cross, so I have"proof," if ever questioned.He is now receiving financial aid from the State for his medicalinsurance, but not for the full amount.Trying to keep things relatively simple.If I write a check made out to Him for the difference, and not 'made out to Blue Cross', and he then writes them a single check for the full amount, would this potentially be a problem for the IRS as for my taking the deduction for what I give ?Or, any aid I give him for Blue Cross, should be made out by me toBlue Cross (and not to him). This would then mean his sendingBlue Cross two checks each month.Don't want to complicate things for Blue Cross paper-work, but am concerned about my checks being to him, and not Blue Cross.Question:  Must/should I make my contribution as checks to Blue Cross, and not to him ?Thanks,B.

Bob Sandler · Accepted Answer

Yes, it would be a problem. If you write a check to your son you don't have a medical expense, you have a gift to your son, which is not deductible.

I think that's what you have to do. See if anyone else offers a different opinion.

Yes, as explained above.

Bob Sandler

removeps-groups · Answer

In theory it shouldn't matter as you'd be able to document to an audit agent that a particular $135 made out to your son was to pay his $135 medical insurance bill. But it would be messy to explain as you'd need his records (insurance invoice, state payment, thus the $135 is the difference), and the IRS agent might not accept it. So better to make it out to the insurance company.

Avrum Lapin · Answer

On the other hand, my experience with Anthem BC of CA tells me that BC would not be able to figure out how to assign credit if two checks arrive. Suggest that you call BC and make sure they can handle it. Call several times to see if you get the same answer

Barry Margolin · Answer

In article , Avrum LapIsn't that why you write the account number on the check?Perhaps the best thing to do would be to write the check to BC, give it to your son, and have him put both checks in the envelope along with the pay slip from the bill.

Medical Insurance Checks: Made Out To Who ?

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