New York State
Insurance Department

The New York State Insurance Department has scheduled a public hearing June 30^th to consider an application for subscriber rate change by Finger Lakes HMO.

The hearing will be held on June 30^th at 11:00 a.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension, 249 Highland Avenue, Rochester, NY.

COMMUNITY-RATED CONTRACTS AND RIDERS AFFECTED:
Riders that provide benefits for prescription drugs, durable medical equipment and prosthetics for all group insureds, and for direct pay insureds that do not have the standardized individual HMO or Point-of-Service contracts.

WEIGHTED AVERAGE PERCENTAGE CHANGE REQUESTED: 79.7%
The riders currently range in price between 41 cents and $85.82.

MEMBERSHIP AFFECTED: 451,000

COUNTIES AFFECTED: Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Seneca, Yates, Orleans, Genesse and Wyoming.

The proposed effective date is August 1, 1999.

Under State law, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Health Service Corporations can not raise or lower subscriber rates more than 10% without the prior approval of the Insurance Department.

A summary of facts supporting the company’s application may be obtained from the company’s office at 165 Court Street, Rochester, NY 14667 or at the offices of the Insurance Department. The complete subscriber rate increase application may be examined at the Plan’s Offices or at the offices of the Insurance Department:

Those wishing to speak at the hearing should notify Ellen Wenz at (212) 480-5262 at the Insurance Department’s New York City Office.

Those unable to attend the hearing may submit written statements for inclusion in the official record with 10 days of the hearing date to the Public Affairs & Research Bureau at the Insurance Department’s New York City Office. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Department will provide a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter, a qualified reader, etc., at no charge to any covered individual wishing to attend or testify at the hearing when such a request is made at least seven days before the hearing.