Participants in United Health Care HMO Kentucky Rate Hike

TO:  Local 3371 and 3372 Windstream Members

FROM:  Lois J. Grimes-Patow; Administrative Director

SUBJECT:  Participants in United Health Care HMO Kentucky Rate Hike

We were notified of the attached information yesterday.  This affects a small number of our members.  A large number of members left the HMO and moved to PPO coverage.  That results in United now raising the rates.  In the initial enrollment materials they do state that if participation decreases an adjustment to premiums could occur.  This is rare that this happens however this was a 71% decrease in participation.

Windstream is allowing an enrollment period for anyone currently in the HMO who would like to move to the PPO to do so.  This enrollment period is in effect from February 14, 2011 through February 22, 2011. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter.