"Currently, taxpayers can take a federal income tax deduction for medical expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of their adjusted gross income," a Barber aide said in explaining why the congressman wants to keep the threshold for deducting medical expenses at 7.5 percent.
"As part of health care reform, this year that threshold is to be raised to 10 percent for taxpayers under age 65. In 2017, the increase also will apply to taxpayers 65 years of age and older," a background document said.