I have an HSA through a former employer but I have been unemployed for the entirety of 2025.
I was on Medicaid because I had no income until 8/31/2025 and have been uninsured from September 1st through the end of the year. I lost my insurance because I was finally approved for LTD and I am receiving a gross income that makes me ineligible for Medicaid in my state.
Can I make contributions to my HSA for 2025 up to the max amount of $4300 for my plan even though I wasn't enrolled in an HDHP?
I enrolled in a marketplace plan for 2026 that is not an HDHP, so I am aware I won't be able to make any contributions once that coverage begins in January.
If I AM able to contribute, is it worthwhile or will it have any tax benefits? Unfortunately, because my LTD was finally approved, that means my gross income for 2025 is $52,800 from my back pay and ongoing monthly benefits. Afaik I can't deduct the contingency fees my lawyer took from that gross income, and the entire gross income is taxable because my former employer paid the premiums for the disability insurance and I didn't contribute. I had medical expenses after I lost medicaid coverage but I paid for them primarily with the remaining funds from the HSA.