This is the fifth in a five part series of articles noting changes in benefit related plans as a result of the 2003 contract negotiations. In the first four articles, changes in Disability and Life Insurance, SUB, Personal Savings Plan, Prescription Drug Program, and Health Care were outlined. More health information is noted below concerning Traditional and PPO.

Physician Assistants will receive separate payment for technical surgical assistance given a physician for a covered surgical or maternity procedure.

Certified Nurse Midwives will receive separate payment for providing obstetrical services in a hospital or birthing center affiliated with a hospital. Coverage limited to basic antepartum care, normal vaginal deliveries, and postpartum care.

Well Baby Care coverage has been improved under the PPO option. The $100 maximum coverage limit has been eliminated and replaced with full coverage for up to six (6) office visits through the first year of life. This benefit will also be covered under the Traditional Care Network (TCN) option if provided by a network physician.

Screening tests for certain diagnosis will be covered when provided by a TCN or PPO network provider.

• One fecal occult blood test per year, beginning at age 50.
• One flexible sigmoidoscopy exam, or one barium enema, every five years, or one colonoscopy every ten years, beginning at age 50.
• One total serum cholesterol with low density LDL test every five years beginning at age 20.
• Immunized coverage has been expanded, but will only be payable when provided by either a TCN or PPO network provider.

Hearing Aid coverage has been improved.

• Effective January 1, 2004, children under three years of age are eligible for four ear molds per year.
• Children between three and seven years of age are eligible for two ear molds per year.
• For patients age 18 or older, after the initial hearing aid purchase, a medical exam of the ear will no longer be required for subsequent hearing aid purchases.

Coverage for wigs and appropriate related supplies for patients under age 18 has been expanded to include hair loss from effects of radiation or other treatments for cancer.

Vision Network modifications, effective January 1, 2004, include restructuring of the provider network with improved provider pricing. These changes effect all employee’s, retiree’s, and their eligible dependents.

• Allowances will be increased from $60 to $80 for standard frames, $75 to $80 for contact lenses, and higher benefit levels allowed for regular lenses.
• Discounts will be improved for select non-covered items as well. Also, a new benefit has been added for corrective eye surgery. (LASIK, PRK, RK)
• Maximum benefit is $295 within the four year contract period.
• Following benefit payment for this type surgery, patient will be ineligible for material benefits (frames/lenses) for the remainder of the four year contract.

Respectfully submitted,

Benefit Plan Reps

1st Shift: Stu Wilson, Jerry Reid, and Jolan Jackson

Alternates: Grant Holst and George Casarez

2nd Shift: Lauri Veneman, Alternate Denise DeBoer