11/01/2007

The co-payment for use of the Emergency Room for non-emergencies is increased to $125 effective January 1, 2007. The co-payment remains at $75 for emergencies. Last year, ABX employees used the Emergency Room 38% more times than the national average. For non-emergency care use the Healthcare Center or an Urgent Care instead. At ABX, there were an estimated 1,295 unnecessary E.R. visits last year. With the average Emergency Room bill at $627, this adds up quickly.

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The 4^th quarter carry over for the deductible is eliminated effective January 1, 2007. The deductible remains $150 for individuals and $300 for families. The deductible is a once a year amount that your must pay before the plan pays any benefits. The deductible does not apply to office visits with your doctor and prescription drugs.

Beginning January 1, 2007, the co-payment for outpatient care for Mental Health and Substance Abuse visits is reduced to $15 per visit from $25 per visit. This change was made to improve access to mental health and substance abuse care by making access more affordable for individuals.

Bariatric Surgery Benefit

Beginning January 1, 2007, bariatric surgery by network providers will be covered at 80% after the deductible instead of 100%. The out-of-pocket maximum will not apply to bariatric surgery. This surgery has demonstrated to have high risk of complications and should only be considered as a last resort for those individuals diagnosed with morbid obesity. Out-of-network benefits remain at 60% after deductible. The out-of-pocket maximum will not apply.

Beginning January 1, 2007, non-network benefits will be paid using the Maximum Non-Network Reimbursement Program (MNRP) method instead of the Reasonable and Customary method. The MNRP is 10% higher than the Medicare reimbursement rate paid by the U.S. government for Medicare patients. The non-network benefit remains at 60% after deductible for most services.

By using network providers you can receive the highest level of benefit from the plan. For most services without a co-payment, the in-network benefit is 100% after deductible. See the Benefits Handbook (Summary Plan Description) for additional details.

Beginning January 1, 2007, individuals with certain chronic conditions will be eligible to participate in United HealthCare’s Disease Management Program. This program is designed to help people with chronic conditions improve their quality of life by providing high level support and information about their illness.

If you have a qualifying chronic condition, a specially trained registered nurse will be assigned to you and can help with questions about your disease and your treatment program. The nurse can also provide information about preventive care, other treatment options, and provide outreach to your doctors and specialists.

These conditions are included in the program:

Additional conditions may be added in the future. Participation in the program is voluntary and provided at no cost to the participant.

Beginning January 1, 2007, Nexium will no longer be covered by the plan. Alternative medications in the proton pump inhibitor classification include:

Aciphex

Omeprazole

Prevacid

Protonix

Zegerid

In addition, Prilosec OTC is available without a prescription. Talk with your doctor to find out which alternative is best for you.

The 4^th quarter carry over for the deductible is eliminated effective January 1, 2007. The deductible remains $150 for individuals and $300 for families. The deductible is a once a year amount that your must pay before the plan pays any benefits. The deductible does not apply to office visits with your doctor and prescription drugs.

Beginning January 1, 2007, non-network benefits will be paid using the Maximum Non-Network Reimbursement Program (MNRP) method instead of the Reasonable and Customary method. The MNRP is 10% higher than the Medicare reimbursement rate paid by the U.S. government for Medicare patients. The non-network benefit remains at 60% after deductible for most services.

By using network providers you can receive the highest level of benefit from the plan. For most services without a co-payment, the in-network benefit is 100% after deductible. See the Benefits Handbook (Summary Plan Description) for additional details.

Beginning January 1, 2007, individuals with certain chronic conditions will be eligible to participate in United HealthCare’s Disease Management Program. This program is designed to help people with chronic conditions improve their quality of life by providing high level support and information about their illness.

If you have a qualifying chronic condition, a specially trained registered nurse will be assigned to you and can help with questions about your disease and your treatment program. The nurse can also provide information about preventive care, other treatment options, and provide outreach to your doctors and specialists.

These conditions are included in the program:

Additional conditions may be added in the future. Participation in the program is voluntary and provided at no cost to the participant.

Beginning January 1, 2007, the vision network switches to the EyeMed network from the Cole Vision Network. This will increase the number of participating providers from about 10,000 to 40,000 nationwide. Lenscrafters will now be part of the network. The benefit level remains the same.

CIGNA is the new insurance carrier effective Jan. 1, 2007, replacing AIG Life.

Bi-weekly cost:

Family members are covered at these levels of the principal sum if you elect the Family coverage:

Beginning January 1, 2007, if you have any dollars left over in your medical or dependent care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) you can use expenses incurred between January 1, 2007 and March 15, 2007. All claims must be submitted by March 31, 2007.