Adrian writes: Hello Gina.
I am glad I have found your website and read great advices of yours.  I have an humble question. I am an United States citizen and my mother is from Poland. She came here on non-immigrant visa and I am going to apply for her green card right now. A month ago she had been diagnosed with retinal detachment in her eye. She didn’t have health insurance so I am going to pay for her surgery (Roughly $10,000). Do you think that I could deduct at least some of that amount from my income tax?
I know you’re busy but right now I am in a dire straits and financially I am completely broke. I would appreciate any advice from you.
Thank you very much and have a wonderful day.

Sincerely,

Adrian

My reply:

Hello Adrian!  I am sorry to hear of your mother’s misfortune regarding her health.  If your mother is also your dependent, then yes, you can claim her medical expenses as an itemized deduction on your Schedule A.

You may wish to read more at the IRS website:  http://www.irs.gov/publications/p502/index.html

Best wishes,
Gina