Date :              March 22, 2006

To:                  I.B.T. Local No. 145 Health Services & Insurance Plan Membership

Re:                  Improvement to Plan Coverage – Generic Copays

Also :   New Tools & Programs Added to Your Health Plan in 2006

 As you are aware, the Trustees and Fund have been working hard to make sure that the stability of the Fund is secure and that all of your member contributions are being used wisely.  As a result of these efforts, we are pleased to announce to the membership that we are able to improve the pharmacy benefit :

Effective MARCH 1, 2006, the generic copay has changed from $10 to $5 for a 30-days supply.  Over half the Funds prescriptions are for generic drugs, so we hope that this change will have a meaningful benefit to many of our members.    Remember that if you use the mail order pharmacy, you can receive 3 months supply for 2 copays.

We have also been working with Anthem to ensure that our membership is able to take advantage of several programs designed to help improve your health – and your overall health care experience.

Be active. Be healthy. Be rewarded.

You and your family members are eligible to participate in the Anthem incentive program. Through Anthem Rewards^sm, you earn points for every day that you’re physically active. Accumulate points and redeem them for merchandise at the online Rewards Store.  Go to www.anthemrewards.com to learn more and sign up.

Get the health information you need.

The more you know about health care, the better your decisions can be. That’s why we encourage you to visit the health information section of Anthem’s Web site. There you’ll find a medical dictionary, personalized Health Assessments to help you identify your medical risks and a number of quality and cost comparison tools. You can compare hospital performance data, estimate costs for certain medical procedures and learn about treatment options.  Go to www.anthem.com and click on MyHealth@Anthem®
 

Take advantage of savings available.

Your health plan gives you access to reimbursements and discounts on health-related products and services.  Some examples of these services include discounts on contacts, vitamins and health-related products, as well as special pricing for eldercare assistance and medical ID bracelets.  For a full list of products and services, visit www.anthem.com and click on SpecialOffers@Anthem.

The Board of Trustees constantly reviews the benefits program and strives to make changes to ensure the long-term stability of the Plan.

Enclosed is a copy of your new Summary Plan Description, as well as the Anthem Member Certificate that clearly outline all of the benefits available to you and your family.

Members are encouraged to learn about the programs, and to use the Plan sensibly.  Feel free to contact the Plan Office or Anthem at 1-800-922-6621 if you have questions.

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                         Board of Trustees