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Title 7: SNAP Page 43 Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Employees’ Manual Chapter E: Income Deductions Revised February 13, 2026 Medical Expenses of Elderly or Disabled…

1. Household A applies for SNAP on October 15. A disabled member of the household has medical expenses of $33 per month. Since the expenses do not exceed $35, no medical expense deduction is allowed.

In December, Household A calls and reports that the disabled member now has monthly prescriptions costs of $50. As long as the household provides verification that the monthly expenses are at least $35.01, the household can receive the standard medical deduction for the remainder of the certification period. 2. Household B applies for SNAP on December 10. A disabled member of the household has medical expenses of $75 per month. Since the expenses exceed $35, the household chooses to receive the standard medical deduction of $175.

In February, Household B reports that the disabled member now has monthly medical expenses of $275. If the household verifies this information, the household can receive a deduction for actual expenses of $240 ($275 - $35) for the remainder of the certification period. Allowable Medical Expenses Legal reference: 7 CFR 273.9(d) Allow the following medical expenses:  Medicare premiums, Medicaid premiums, and any cost-sharing or spenddown expenses incurred by Medicaid members.  Medical and dental care, including psychotherapy, rehabilitation services, and acupuncture provided by a licensed practitioner authorized by state law or another qualified health professional.  Hospitalization or outpatient treatment, nursing care, and nursing home care provided by a facility recognized by the state.  Prescription drugs when prescribed by a licensed practitioner authorized under state law. Use an average of anticipated cost, a per-dose method, or other reliable method to determine the cost of prescription drugs. Be sure to document the method you used in the case file.  Mailing costs associated with the filling of prescriptions.  Over-the-counter medication (including insulin and vitamins) that cannot be purchased with SNAP, when approved by a licensed practitioner or another qualified health professional.  Medical supplies and prescribed equipment (including rental equipment).  Dentures, hearing aids, and prosthetics.  Eyeglasses prescribed by a physician skilled in eye disease or by an optometrist.