Chairman Johnson Addresses HSA Opportunities

FAIRFAX, Va. – National Credit Union Administration Chairman JoAnn Johnson was on hand at Apple Federal Credit Union to deliver welcoming remarks during the Health Savings Account (HSA) Symposium. 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. Unused HSA money rolls over from year to year and can then be used to pay for medical care up to the plan’s deductible. Aimed at increasing awareness of access to HSAs particularly among Washington D.C.-based credit unions serving Federal employees the symposium also featured such speakers as Thomas Reeder, benefits tax counselor, Office of Tax Policy at the Department of Treasury; Daniel A. Green, deputy associate director, Center for Employee & Family Support Policy at the Office of Personnel Management; and Dennis L. Zuehlke, compliance manager of CUNA Mutual Group. “Health Savings Accounts are a great way for credit unions to assist their members and employees with an option for reducing costs and enhancing affordable healthcare coverage,” said Chairman Johnson. “This `nuts and bolts’ symposium was a great way to understand the resources available for credit unions to include HSAs as part of their member services.” In 2004, the NCUA Board approved final rules changes to NCUA regulations, enabling federal credit unions to serve as the depository institution for members’ HSAs. Federal credit unions may offer qualified members the opportunity to establish an HSA. To qualify, a member must have a high deductible health plan, defined as one having at least a $1,000 deductible for individual coverage or a $2,000 deductible for family coverage.