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This information is what we have so far. I will post a comparison chart as soon as I see the one the company gives out. Please call the Local or the Health Line frist if you are considering making a change.

Open enrollment for active members is November 12, 2008 through November 25, 2008.

Open enrollment for members who retired after 1986 will be November 5, through November 18, 2008. All other retirees can make changes anytime effective the first of the month following a 30 day period.

There will be a Benefit Renewal Brochure mailed to our members on October 27, 2008. Those members who are in the MEP plan will receive a brochure which details the changes from the MEP to the new MEP HCPPO. Those who are participating in the MEP PPO will receive a brochure which details the changes from the MEP PPO to the new MEP HCPPO and lastly those who participate in the HCN or an HMO will receive the information about the new MEP HCPPO.

The new medical plan option, the MEP HCPPO will replace the current MEP and the MEP PPO. This plan will be the default plan. All new hires who do not select a plan will be placed into the MEP HCPPO.

Any member who currently participates in the MEP or the MEP PPO will automatically be enrolled in the new MEP HCPPO. These members only need to make a change during open enrollment if they want to choose a different plan.

Any member who currently participates in the HCN or an HMO will continue in those plans unless they make changes and enroll by November 25, 2008.

THE PREFERRED CARE (NEW YORK) OPTION 839 WILL NOT BE AN OPTION IN 2009.

Those members will need to select a new plan or they will default into the MEP HCPPO.

Any member that wants a copy of the Health Plan Comparison charts can visit www.verizon.com/benefits or they can call 1-877-4VZ-BENS beginning October 29, 2008.

It is important for our members to review their covered dependents during the benefit renewal process.

The new ” Anytime Enrollment Process” becomes effective January 1, 2009. Our members must be enrolled in the same plan for 12 months before he/she can make a medical plan change (other than a life event). Therefore, the first time anyone can make a change under the “Anytime Enrollment Process” is January 1, 2010.

“Anytime Enrollment” for members who retired after 1986 becomes effective January 1, 2009 and retirees can make a change anytime effective the first of the month following a thirty day period.