July 6, 2005
Erik P. Ammidown, Director Health and Disability Benefits
QWEST COMMUNICATIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
1801 California Street, Suite 900
Denver, CO 80202
Tele: 303-992-6154
Fax: 303-992-3379
erik.ammidown@qwest.com
(Erik Ammidown)
Re: Qwest Health Care Plan
Medicare Drug Prescription Act and Pre-1991 Retirees
Erik:
Your office sent a letter dated July 1, 2005, to Qwest Retirees. A
copy of the letter with your signature is attached hereto. Your letter was
sent to retirees to inform them that Qwest has not yet made a decision on
how the Medicare RX benefits will be integrated with the existing benefit
plans, but a decision will be made before the open enrollment period. While
there are no details stated in your letter, it is causing many to 'read into
it." Needless to state, AUSWR group leaders, including Hazel Floyd and
Mimi Hull, are receiving numerous telephone calls and emails
concerning the same.
Of course, many Pre-1991 Retirees are receiving the letter and
they want some assurances that nothing is going to change in derogation of
the lifetime guarantee and commitment set forth in the Qwest Health Care
Plan. What they wish to hear is that Qwest, in no way, intends to
implement changes that fail to meet the "minimum requirements of Guaranteed
Coverage, -- the "same schedules of medical and dental expense coverage
(i.e., percentages and stated dollar amounts of reimbursements, covered
services and treatments, deductibles, and other terms under which the amount
of reimbursements paid by the Plan with respect to Participants, their
spouses and dependents are calculated) as are set forth in the respective
1996 Plan." (Quote from the Qwest Health Care Plan.)
It would be most helpful if your office would send out a
follow-up letter targeted to Pre-1991 Retirees reiterating the company's
commitment and stating that regardless of whatever Medicare Prescription
Drug Act program is adopted by Qwest, the Pre-1991 Retirees who prefer the
"Guaranteed Coverage" are not going to be required to elect any alternative
program. Can you do that? Certainly, it will help your office avoid many
unnecessary telephone calls.
Therefore, on behalf of Hazel Floyd and numerous other Pre-1991
Retirees, we respectfully request a response with the assurances requested
herein. Thank you.
c: AUSWR Board and general membership
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