January 3, 2006

Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998

Dear Participant:

Under federal law, group health plans, insurers and HMOs that provide medical and surgical benefits in connection with a mastectomy must provide benefits for certain reconstructive surgery. In the case of a participant or beneficiary who is receiving benefits under the plan in connection with a mastectomy and who elects breast reconstruction, federal law requires coverage in a manner determined in consultation with the attending physician and the patient, for:

● Reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed (currently covered by the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 73 Welfare Fund);

● Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance; and

● Prostheses and treatment of physical complications at all stages of the mastectomy, including lymphedemas (currently covered by the Fund).

This coverage is subject to the plan’s annual deductibles and coinsurance provisions. These provisions are generally described in the plan’s Summary Plan Description (SPD).

If you have any questions about the plan’s coverage for mastectomies or reconstructive surgery, please contact the Fund Office.

Sincerely,
Board of Trustees

Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 73 Welfare Fund