One of the main ways to cut medical costs is through a tax deduction for medical expenses. This option is designed for working retirees or for people who receive royalties or rent income. An economics expert notes that every personal income taxpayer may claim a social deduction tied to medical treatment. The cap on the deduction is 120,000 rubles per year, which translates to a maximum refund of 15,600 rubles. The deduction applies to payments made for hospital visits, therapies, prescribed medicines, and other eligible medical services. There is an important exception for very expensive treatments, where the full cost can be counted toward the deduction. If a pensioner does not work and the costs of treatment are funded by employed children, the pensioner can still benefit from this deduction. This approach is particularly helpful for households with high ongoing medical needs or chronic conditions, since it provides a predictable reduction in annual tax liability rather than a one-time relief.
Another route exists for retirees who qualify for state social assistance. This program covers ten categories, including people with disabilities, disabled children, war veterans, and other eligible groups. Retirees in these categories receive free essential medicines, medical products, and specialized nutrition products. There is also a financial compensation option. To receive the money, the recipient must decline the assistance before October 1, 2025. From January 2026 onward, it is possible to receive financial compensation added to the pension. The monthly extra payment for refusing to buy medicines and medical products in 2024 was 1,215.8 rubles. The decision can be reassessed annually, allowing a return to buying medicines or continuing to receive compensation based on changing needs. This pathway can significantly affect the out-of-pocket costs for those who would otherwise rely on state-provided goods.
Third, this approach is available to all Russians regardless of age: flu vaccination can be received every year. Vaccination lowers the chance of flu and related complications, which can lead to fewer doctor visits and reduced costs for medications and tests. While some residents wear off the seasonal risk differently, annual vaccination remains a straightforward and effective preventive measure that protects both individual health and family budgets. Health authorities emphasize that keeping up with immunizations is a practical habit for retirees who want to stay independent and financially stable.
Data from the Social Fund show that the average pension for working Russians this year is 18,600 rubles, while the average for unemployed individuals stands at 23,400 rubles. The figures reflect the broader economic realities faced by retirees who may juggle pensions with part-time work, savings, and occasional transfers from family. Those who retired earlier often look for practical steps to cut costs and stretch each ruble further. They weigh the benefits of medical cost relief programs against the effort of applying for them, seeking a balance that preserves access to care without compromising financial security. In many cases, small routine changes, like planning purchases of medicines or scheduling preventive care, can accumulate into meaningful annual savings. The overall goal is to maintain health while minimizing financial stress in retirement.
Finally, readers should know that rules and caps can change, so staying informed is important. Officials periodically adjust allowances and deadlines to reflect budget realities and public health priorities. A proactive approach helps retirees take full advantage of any available relief while avoiding missed opportunities.