JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson chatted with HealthAmerica Credit Union President/CEO Maury Pilver during a surprise visit on August 2. "We learned of the chairman's visit only that morning so it was a great surprise and we're pleased to have her visit and tour the office," said Pilver. Chairman Johnson visited the $78 million credit union as part of the NCUA's Access Across America initiative to promote ownership and the role of credit unions in providing economic empowerment. HealthAmerica CU was one of the first credit unions to offer Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and those deposits have swelled to over $100,000. HSAs are tax-free savings accounts that can be used to pay for medical expenses including prescription and over-the-counter drugs incurred by individuals, spouses or dependents. The annual deductible must be at least $1,000 for individual coverage and at least $2,000 for family coverage. Part of the advantages of HSAs is that unused funds can be rolled over from year to year and the account is portable. According to Pilver, HSAs are a great opportunity for credit unions to distinguish themselves and he has talked up HSAs at several Access Across America workshops across the country. During her visit Chairman Johnson commended the credit union for its "commitment of member service and making the `ownership society' a reality for members from all walks of life." "With over 83 million members in America's credit union system, there is a tremendous opportunity for credit unions of all sizes to provide HSAs to their members and the small business they serve," said Chairman Johnson. "Providing financial self-sufficiency is a rewarding mission for credit unions. Whether it is providing assistance to a low-income member, or as a service for their members' small businesses as a benefit to their employees, credit unions should consider this opportunity for service."