@W16VA wrote:
Thank you for the additional 'sidebar' warnings and recommendations!
I certainly learn more from the discussions, topics which never cross my mind until this stage in my life.
I am not expecting anything from my employer relating to Salary Deferral or my wife's own HSA.
I would be happy if she can contribute to her HSA via her IRA money, own salary or savings, as long as our joint return get a HSA deduction, as I do not qualify for my own HSA.
I will ask and ensure that the plan managing bank recognizes that her share and money is separate from the plan premium, and stay within the rules as much as I am learning about.
Money is fungible. That means that once money is in your hands (your wallet, your bank account), it loses its "identity" or point of origin. Your wife can contribute to an HSA in her name using any money that comes to hand, including your net wages, once they are deposited in your bank account. (It doesn't even have to be a joint bank account.) There is no requirement that it be "her" money from her work or savings. It would be best, in most cases, for her to contribute to her HSA from your work income (if you can afford it) and leave any investments or IRA funds alone until needed for something else. The tax deduction would be applied to your joint return assuming you file married filing jointly.
The only thing that is probably not allowed is for you to contribute directly to her HSA by payroll deduction. (Although @dmertz disagrees and I could be wrong).
