@maury2 wrote:
It's interesting that my wife's company only allowed her to make the catch-up contribution of $1,000, and not me, even though I am retired. The reason they didn't allow it was because I am not their employee. We have a family health insurance.
The HSA contributions are part of an employee benefits package under what's called Section 125. Any contribution by the employer, whether it is free money from the employer or a contribution by the employee, is considered an employer contribution. The employee agrees to a voluntary salary reduction, and the employer sends that money to the HSA account. Since you are not an employee, there is no legal way for the employer to put money into your HSA account, regardless of whether you are asking for free money from the employer or you are asking the employer to deposit your own money.
Also, as mentioned, HSA accounts are owned by one person only. Your wife's limit that can be deposited into her HSA is $7750 plus $1000. Your $1000 catch-up contribution can only be deposited into an HSA account in your name.
If you don't currently own an HSA account in your own name and want to take advantage of the tax deduction you can open a private HSA account at many banks. It does not have to be through an employer. Check with the bank that has your regular checking account, they probably offer private HSAs.
