The Fund has determined that Your prescription drug coverage with the Fund is, on average for all Plan Participants, expected to pay out at least as much as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage will pay. You can choose to join a Medicare prescription drug plan. Each year You will have the opportunity to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan between November 15th and December 31st.

If You enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan Your coverage with I.B.E.W. Local 25 Health & Benefit Fund will be terminated and You will not be able to obtain this coverage later. You should compare Your current coverage, including which drugs are covered, with the coverage and cost of the plans offering Medicare prescription drug coverage in Your area.

Furthermore, Your current coverage pays for other health expenses, in addition to prescription drugs, and You will not be eligible to receive all of Your current health and prescription drug benefits if You choose to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan.

You should also note that if You drop or lose Your coverage with the Fund and do not enroll in Medicare prescription drug coverage after Your current coverage ends, You may pay more to enroll in Medicare Prescription drug coverage later.

More detailed information about Medicare plans is available in the “Medicare & You” handbook. You should have received a copy of the handbook in the mail from Medicare. You may also be contacted directly by Medicare prescription drug plans. You can also obtain more information about Medicare prescription drug plans from these places:

• Visit www.medicare.gov for personalized help.
• Call Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (see Your copy of the Medicare& You handbook for their telephone number).
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.