Making an Appeal to The Benefits Committee | Once the claimant is notified of denial of a Claim, he/she has 60 days following
receipt of the notice to appeal the determination. Appeals must be made in writing.
If the claimant chooses to Appeal, he/she may submit any written comments,
documents, records and other information relating to the Appeal. The claimant
should include any information, documents, etc. that he/she believes explains
his/her position or is necessary to perfect the Appeal. Upon request and free
of charge, the claimant will be provided reasonable access to, and copies of,
all documents, records and other information relevant to the Appeal.
The appeal will be reviewed by The Benefits Committee ("Committee") of the
Board of Directors of the Plan. The review will take into account all comments,
documents, records and other information submitted by the claimant relating
to the Appeal, without regard to whether that information was submitted or considered
in the denial of the Claim by the Administrative Office. Such review will generally
be heard at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee (the Committee
meets at least quarterly). However, if the appeal is received within thirty
(30) days prior to the meeting, the review may be delayed until the next meeting.
In addition, if special circumstances require further extension of time, the
review may be delayed to the following meeting.
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