I have a client who had cancer and requires a prosthesis for her mastectomy. However, regular bras don’t work, so she had to purchase what are called mastectomy bras, which are considerably more costly than standard bras. I can’t find if these bras are considered a medical expense or not. Does anyone know?
Yes, mastectomy bras can generally be claimed as medical expenses on your Canadian income tax return. These are considered tax-deductible medical expenses when linked to surgery or prosthesis, and can be claimed on line 33099 or 33199 to reduce taxes owing. [1, 2]
Key Details for Claiming Mastectomy Bras:
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Documentation: You must have a doctor’s prescription for the mastectomy bra or post-surgical garment.
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Eligible Amount: Only claim the portion of the cost not reimbursed by private insurance or provincial health plans.
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Provincial Support: In addition to tax deductions, some provinces (like Manitoba and Nova Scotia) offer direct funding for mastectomy bras.
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Receipts: Retain detailed receipts listing the supplier, product name, and medical purpose. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
For more specific information on how to claim and what is covered, you can refer to the Canadian Cancer Society website. [1]
Regurgitating an AI response is not a good idea, because it can often be wrong. In this case, it isn’t, but trusting AI is hazardous.