The New York State Insurance Department will hold a public hearing October 19^th to consider an application for subscriber rate change by Preferred Care (HMO).

The hearing will be held October 19^th at 11:00 a.m. at the IMC Conference Center, Hutchinson House, 930 East Avenue, Rochester, NY.

COMMUNITY-RATED CONTRACTS AND RIDERS AFFECTED:
Individual and Group Commercial Contacts, Group Commercial Pharmacy and other Riders.

MEMBERSHIP AFFECTED: 125,000 members will be affected.

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

The proposed effective date is November 1, 1999.

By law, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Health Service Corporations cannot 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 259 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 (1-800-950-3224) or from 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 Department’s New York City Office.

Those unable to attend the hearing may submit written statements for inclusion in the official record within 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.