Multiple years HSA excess contributions

[s37]

I maxed out the family level

contribution to my HSA in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Unfortunately I found out I was only eligible to contribute the individual amount because unbeknownst to me my husband was automatically enrolled in Medicare in all of those years. Is there any way to correct this? I assume each year’s return  would have to be amended to reflect the excess contribution and then I would have to go to the HSA to withdrawal each years excess. I am beside myself and so embarrassed this happened, any advice is appreciated. 

[Opus 17]

"I found out I was only eligible to contribute the individual amount because unbeknownst to me my husband was automatically enrolled in Medicare in all of those years."

That is false.  What counts is how you were covered.  If you were covered by a family HDHP, and you had no "other coverage", then you are eligible to contribute up to the family limit, no matter how your spouse is covered.

(For example, you might have a family HDHP from your employer that covers your spouse because you didn't know your spouse had Medicare, or you might have family coverage from your employer that provides backup coverage to your spouse and helps pay for costs that Medicare doesn't cover.  Either way, what counts is how you are covered.)

[s37]

Well that is awesome news. So since I had family HDHP coverage it sounds like I am ok?

[Opus 17]

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@s37 wrote:

Well that is awesome news. So since I had family HDHP coverage it sounds like I am ok?

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As long as you are covered by a family HDHP and have no "other" coverage that disqualifies you, then you can contribute up to the family limit, regardless of how your spouse is insured.  Of course, if you change to self-only coverage during the year (because you found out your spouse does not need your coverage, for example), then your eligibility is a blend of the single and family limits.  But that only applies to the year you changed coverage.  If you had a family HDHP for all of 2022, '23 and '24, then you are eligible up to the family limit (including the $1000 catch-up, if over age 55.)

The most common types of "other" coverage that disqualify someone from contributing to an HSA are spouse insurance or a spouse FSA.  If your spouse is covered at work and is offered a flexible spending account, that counts as other coverage that disqualifies you, because even though your spouse might be covered by single insurance, an FSA can always be used to pay for the expenses of the insured or their spouse.  And sometimes, you might have your own HDHP coverage, but also be covered as a "secondary" insured under a spouse's policy.  Since these do not seem to be the case, you are fine.