June 30, 2000

Health and Welfare Fund
6281 Youngstown-Warren Rd., Suite 240
Niles, Ohio 44446
Phone 330-652-3475
FAX 330-652-3513
Toll Free 1-800-362-9354
Ochw@aol.com

To All Participants:

The Board of Trustees of the Ohio Carpenters Health and Welfare Fund recently reviewed the financial operations of the Fund. As you know, rising medical costs, particularly prescription drug expenses, have required an increase in the hourly contribution rate. The Trustees feel that it is necessary to take other steps to ensure the financial stability of the Fund. Effective August 1, 2000, the prescription drug program co-payments will change. Effective on and after that date there will no longer be a percentage co-payment for prescription drugs. The co-payment on all brand name drugs will be $15 per prescription. For generic drugs, there will be a $3 co-payment for all prescriptions. This will replace the present program where you pay 10% on single source drugs and 20% on multiple source drugs and where there is no co-payment on generic drugs.The Trustees approved this change after careful consideration of the program and in the best interest of all participants.If you have any questions, please feel free to call, write or visit the Fund office.

Sincerely,

The Board of Trustees