Yes, since you will probably never be under HDHP coverage again (your husband certainly not since I figure he is on Medicare), you can't use the cheaper way of discharging the excess that is carried over. This leaves only the distribution way, paying income tax twice as well as the "excise tax" (good for you for finding that term - most people don't)
"I am checking the self-only box for HDHP coverage in forms mode on Form 8889-T only for purposes of forcing TT to recognize that the form is completed. " - is this in reference to a question in the Review wherein TurboTax asks you to enter either Self or Family on line 1 on the 8889? Yes, it seems that you have been doing your research on this issue! Yes, since you have already told TurboTax that you did not have any HDHP coverage for 2025, the review in TurboTax is puzzled on why you have a form 8889 when you don't have HDHP coverage. No matter, do as you intend and check Self, so you can get around this obstacle. Yes, this is acceptable.
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