Brothers,

As an update I wanted to let everyone know the status of the Dependent Verification Project as of the most recent information.  The audit has been completely handed over from Aetna to UHC as of April 14, 2008.  UHC is now processing all the mail as well as answering phone calls.  If you have members who have questions about the audit or find that their coverage has been wrongfully terminated they should be instructed to call 1-800-753-2692, which is United Healthcare’s Dependant Verification Hotline. 

Attached is a list of 1,727 members representing 3,295 dependents, which are currently listed as non-responders.  The dependants of the members on this list have had their benefits terminated by all of the vendors (medical, dental, mental health and substance abuse, vision and prescription drug) effective April 15, 2008.  UHC has processed the terminations for all non-responder dependents as well as those identified by the member instructing the Plan to terminate. 

In addition, the dependants considered as “Incomplete” have also been terminated as of April 15, 2008 for dental coverage only.  Below I have provided all the information that I think is important as it relates to this project.  Keep in mind that the numbers below are representative of all participants in the plan, not just the BLET.

The following are the counts as of April 18, 2008. 

            Confirmed   

 228,187 - Total Number of Confirmed Active Dependents to date. This number includes those done by the Aetna Audit and those previously confirmed.

            Incompletes 

   8,994 - Total Number of Incomplete Dependents to date.  These dependents will have only their dental terminated with a 4/15/2008 date.  This group will receive  a mailing from UHC stating their dental was terminated and They will have 60 days to provide the documentation to keep the other coverages from terminating.

            Non-Responders

    17,316 - Total Number of Non-Responder Dependents who were terminated with a 4/15/2008. UHC will provide a file to Highmark and Aetna (Medical)  of non-responder dependents they cover so that they can terminate the dependents in their systems.  UHC will be sending out HIPAA Certificates to those dependents who had their  coverages terminated.  The HIPAA Certificate will show the 4/15/2008 date and have been mailed out.      

            Termination Requested by Employee

   2,529 - Total Number of Dependents being terminated because the employee requested it.  The termination date was  4/15/2008.  UHC will provide to Highmark and Aetna (Medical) a terminated dependent file for employees they  cover so that they can terminate the dependents in their systems.  UHC has sent out HIPAA Certificates  to  those dependents who had their coverages terminated.  The HIPAA Certificate will show the 4/15/2008 date.  

           UHC Dependent Verification Project

 16,815 - Total Number of Dependents that were not part of Aetna Dental Audit, but will be part of UHC's Audit.  The employees will be required to supply documentation to continue coverage.  These employees will have 150 days to provide the documentation needed.

I have provided this information as reference to help you better assist our membership, should you receive a  member inquiring about lost coverage or the on going audit.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or are in need of further assistance.

 Fraternally,

 A. Dan Cook III

Executive Staff - National Division

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen

1370 Ontario St., Mezzanine

Cleveland, OH 44113-1702

PH: (216) 241-2630 Ext. 225

FAX: (216) 241-6516

E-mail: cook@ble-t.org