Can I put $1,000 in my own HSA if I am a spouse over 55?

I believe HSAs are part of employer high deductible plans. I’m not sure how you can contribute pre-tax if you are no longer on that plan even though you retain the account. That’s a question to ask who administers the HSA. I’m not sure why you would want to if that money has already been taxed other than it would grow tax free if your HSA is one that has investment options. Then it becomes like a Roth IRA that you can only use for medical expenses.

^^That’s not the question, but just to answer, because it might help you or someone else, you can absolutely keep contributing under COBRA and in fact several years ago I had an HSA through the ACA marketplace completely independent of working for a company. Many people think what you stated, but it isn’t right, and would be completely unfair if the law was written that way. Why should only W2 employees have the option of an HSA account?

Additionally, it will be before tax dollars, because the amount I contribute will reduce my taxable income. This is one of the great things about HSA, before tax income for any income, unlike IRA’s that have income limits, AND you can use the money any age if it is for a qualifying medical expense. Plus, I’m earning interest tax free. That was partly why I moved the account to fidelity, better interest rate. I don’t want to put the HSA money in risky funds.

I was making almost nothing for years, but with fidelity I’m making about $100 a month, because of current interest rate conditions. Some of the HSA accounts chosen by companies are horrible. That interest helps pay for my increasing medication expenses. I’ve probably lost a couple of thousand dollars over the years having my HSA money in crappy accounts.

Unfortunately, most middle and lower income can’t use the benefit, because the premiums are high and you wind up paying for almost every medical procedure and appointment you have throughout the year.