Many Older Adults Who Qualify Don’t Use the Medical Expense Deduction

One of the under-utilised features of SNAP for older adults is the excess medical expense deduction. Suppose a senior spends more than a certain threshold per month on out-of-pocket medical costs (for example, prescription drugs, co-pays, mobility aids). In that case, those costs can reduce the household’s “countable income” when determining SNAP eligibility and benefit size.

Data suggest that although a significant number of older adults would qualify for this deduction, only a small fraction actually claim it—estimates indicate only about 16% of older adults who receive SNAP are using this deduction.

Because medical costs often rise with age, this is a missed opportunity to increase benefit amounts and improve food security for older adults.