That communication also allowed for individuals who had selected MMCP based upon information obtained from the medical benefit administrators (United Healthcare, Aetna and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield) a limited time to rescind their MMCP selection and change to the Comprehensive Health Care Benefit (CHCB).

Since Jan. 1, 2006, however, numerous individuals have received explanation-of-benefit reports indicating that their provider was not recognized by the health plan as “in network” and have incurred the MMCP “out-of-network” deductible and co-insurance amounts.

As of Jan. 1, 2006, to receive “in-network-level" benefits you must now use providers who are in an MMCP market awarded by the plan. All of the managed care companies have network providers in locations which have not been awarded by the plan.

These providers, although contracted with the managed care company, are considered “out of network” for railroad employees and dependents and if you receive care from these providers you will be reimbursed at “out-of-network” levels.

The plan-approved MMCP network areas are geographically defined by ZIP code. If you live outside the geographically defined MMCP area and have “opted in” to MMCP in order to obtain the higher benefit level, you are required to utilize doctors and hospitals that are within the MMCP-defined ZIP code area to obtain maximum benefits. This is also true if you live within the MMCP-defined network area.

Below are Web sites and toll-free numbers of the MMCP benefit administrators to accurately determine if your doctor and/or hospital are in a plan-approved MMCP network area:

United Healthcare: www.myuhc.com or www.provider.uhc.com/railroad; (800) 842-9905

Aetna: www.aetna.com/docfind/custom/rr; (800) 842-4044

Highmark BCBS: no Web site; (866) 267-3320

NOTE: If you have selected Highmark BCBS as your MMCP benefit administrator, the ONLY way to verify that your doctor and/or hospital is “in network” is to call the toll-free number stating your doctor's name and ZIP code.

The Web sites or toll-free numbers can be used to verify “in-network” providers if you have selected United Healthcare or Aetna as your MMCP benefit administrator.

If you live in a plan-approved MMCP network area, you should not be impacted by this change. However, there is a possibility your providers are physically close to you but are outside the awarded network. You should still verify that your providers are considered “in network” for the railroad before you receive additional care and are reimbursed at “out-of-network” levels.

If you have selected MMCP for 2006 because you live within a plan-approved network area or live outside a plan-approved network area and have “opted in” to obtain the higher benefit level, and determine that MMCP was selected in error in view of the above information, you are afforded an opportunity at this time to change your selection to CHCB. However, you must do so no later than March 31, 2006. Failure to change your benefit plan selection by March 31, 2006, will result in MMCP being applicable for the remainder of 2006 and could result in additional out-of-pocket medical expense.

The MMCP “out-of-network” and CHCB benefit levels are as follows:

CHCB: $100/$300 individual/family annual deductible; 85%/15% co-insurance; $1,500/$3,000 individual/family annual out-of-pocket maximum.

CHCB (if you live in a MMCP area): $100/$300 individual/family annual deductible; 75%/25% co-insurance; $1,500/$3,000 individual/family out-of-pocket annual maximum.

MMCP (“out of network”): $200/$600 individual/family annual deductible; 75%/25% co-insurance; $1,500/$3,000 individual/family out-of-pocket annual maximum.

To change from MMCP to CHCB, contact United Healthcare toll-free at (888) 445-4379, no later than MARCH 31, 2006.