Can you opt out of the HSA component of a HDHP?

Didn’t know whether this was better suited for this sub or r/overemployed.

I’m currently working two full-time jobs. My primary and only insurance at this time is through Job 1 and is a non-HDHP. The deadline to enroll in Job 2’s benefits is next week (I procrastinated 😥), and is a HDHP with HSA. Benefits for this job would not kick in until June 1.

I am currently 29 weeks pregnant and due in July. I do not plan on staying with Job 1 past the end of the year – I would also like the flexibility to quit at any time. However, I’m a bit stuck on what to do about insurance, as I know there are some IRS rules related to HSA contributions and being double-insured with another non-HDHP plan.

Ideally, I would like to give birth still covered under Job 1’s insurance while having Job 2’s insurance as a secondary, so that when I decide to quit Job 1, I’ll have a smooth transition over to Job 2’s insurance as the primary, and my baby girl could join with the qualifying life event.

(I obviously can’t drop Job 1’s insurance before its open enrollment. And at Job 2, I asked HR if I were to waive new hire enrollment next week would baby girl’s birth be a qualifying life event to get us both insured for the first time, but she said it would only work if I had the insurance first – so that’s apparently not an option either. So basically I have to either deal with the high premiums of COBRA, or somehow figure out this double insurance situation.)

My question is, is it usually an option to waive the HSA component of HDHP insurance? I will find out on Monday when I talk to Job 2, but just wanted to ask here to help soothe the anxiety over the weekend with the enrollment deadline coming up lmao. I really hope so, which will give me the flexibility to quit Job 1 whenever I want while also having the peace of mind that I’m constantly covered.

Anyone have an experience like this? Or did your employer let you waive the HSA and you could remain doublely covered?

submitted by /u/–Angel
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