HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL BENEFITS ( Public Medical Plan files - Private files available after Log In )

Network and Non-Network Benefits

One important aspect of the Plan is the use of a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). The Plan has contracted with the MultiPlan Network and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to make available a network of physicians, hospitals and healthcare providers at a reduced cost to you and the Plan. The Plan has also contracted with Caremark to manage the Plan's prescription drug program. Essentially, these providers (or any other network the Plan may retain in the future) agree to accept the reduced fees agreed upon with the network as payment in full for Covered Services. You are responsible for a share of the agreed-upon network fee or allowance, generally called your co-payment. The Plan pays the rest subject to any special limitations on the type of service as described herein.

The arrangements between the Plan and the PPOs are flexible, meaning that there is no requirement that you go to a specific hospital, health care provider or pharmacy. You still may choose your hospital, health care provider or pharmacy at the time you receive care. However, as described in more detail below, you will save a significant amount of money if the hospital, health care provider or pharmacy you use participates in the applicable PPO.

In most cases, as described below, if you use network providers you will not pay a deductible, and the cost will be covered with the exception of a nominal co-payment subject to specific benefit limits described below. If you use non-network medical providers, there is a $150 annual deductible applicable to each covered person, and then the Plan pays 80% of Reasonable and Customary charges for the Covered Services provided, subject to specific benefit limitations described herein& You are responsible for the rest of the provider's bill. Where applicable, the deductible is charge annually for you and each of your Eligible Dependents, except that if any of you have medical expenses that count toward the deductible in the last three months of a calendar year, the amount payable in those months will also count toward that person's deductible for the following calendar year.

You will receive a Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield ID card, a MultiPlan ID card and a Caremark prescription ID card. The Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield card is for the hospitals only; the MultiPlan card is for medical providers such as doctors, radiologists, labs, diagnostic centers and other similar providers; the Caremark prescription card is for retail pharmacies and the Mail Service Program for maintenance medication.

You will receive directories for the networks to assist you in locating network providers in your area. Although the directories are updated periodically, please contact MultiPlan for up-to-date information if you want to locate a physician and to confirm that a medical provider or facility participates in the MultiPlan network. You should contact Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey if you want to confirm, whether a hospital is in the network. You should also contact Caremark to confirm whether your pharmacy is participating in the network. Use the toll-free numbers on your ID cards. You may also access Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield's provider directory online at www.bcbsnj.com (click on "Provider Directory" at the top of the page). MultiPlan's directory is also available online, at: http://www.multiplan.com/patients/.

THE MULTIPLAN NETWORK

$25.00 PER VISIT

Effective November 1, 2004, in addition to your current plan of benefits, you will have the choice of saving healthcare dollars by using the MultiPlan® Network. When you visit a Network doctor you will pay $25.00 per visit whether or not you have satisfied your annual Major-Medical deductible.

PAID IN FULL LABS

If you use MultiPlan® Network Labs and diagnostic facilities, your costs are covered in full whether or not you have satisfied your annual Major-Medical deductible.

YOUR BENEFITS REMAIN THE SAME

The Local 25 Medical Plan Benefits Program remain the same. If you choose not to use the MultiPlan® Network doctors and labs, you are responsible for the annual $150.00 deductible, 20% co-insurance, and any other charges above the Fund allowances. Whether or not you use the Network, the same limitations and exclusions apply. (Review your Summary Plan Description Booklet).

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

You may choose whether to use the MultiPlan® Network or "Out-of-Network" Providers each time you go to the doctor. However, you will save money by choosing a Network Provider. For Example: the Funds maximum allowance for an initial specialist consultation is $200 paid at 80% ($160). If you visit an out-of-Network specialist and are charged $200 you will be reimbursed $160, after your deductible is satisfied. You will be responsible for the difference of $40. If you go to a Network specialist, YOU PAY ONLY $25.00.

You and your eligible dependents now have the opportunity to save your healthcare dollars by choosing a doctor from the MultiPlan® Network. By using the Network, you will pay only $25 an office visit. If the doctors refer you for further tests or to another doctor, remember to ask him/her to use the Network if possible. Make sure to bring your identification card with you when you visit the doctor.

* REMEMBER , BY USING THE MULTIPLAN NETWORK, YOUR $150 DEDUCTIBLE IS WAIVED!.

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