deduction of spouse's airfare (medical)

[Guest maxtax]

Does anyone know if the airfare expense of a spouse is deductible as a medical expense to accompany a cancer patient (who can not travel alone) to a medical hospital? I know the patient's airfare is deductible. Thank you.

[Lori Friedman]

The transportation costs of a family member traveling with the patient are deductible, provided that the family member's presence is necessary to enable the patient to get medical care. There are some good explanations in PLR 8516025 and PLR 8321042. Common examples -- When a minor child needs a parent or guardian to sign authorization forms and consent to medical procedures; When someone is too sick to travel without assistance.

[Guest maxtax]

The transportation costs of a family member traveling with the patient are deductible, provided that the family member's presence is necessary to enable the patient to get medical care. There are some good explanations in PLR 8516025 and PLR 8321042. Common examples -- When a minor child needs a parent or guardian to sign authorization forms and consent to medical procedures; When someone is too sick to travel without assistance.

Thanks Lori!