Decision on Review. After receipt by the RPAC of a written application for review of his claim, the RPAC will review the claim taking into account all comments, documents, records and other information submitted by the claimant regarding the claim without regard to whether such information was considered in the initial benefit determination. The RPAC will notify the claimant of its decision by delivery or by certified or registered mail to his last known address. A decision on review of the claim will be made by the RPAC at its next meeting following receipt of the written request for review. If no meeting of the RPAC is scheduled within forty-five (45) days of receipt of the written request for review, then the RPAC will hold a special meeting to review such written request for review within such forty-five (45) day period. If special circumstances require an extension of the forty-five (45) day period, the RPAC will so notify the claimant and a decision will be rendered within ninety (90) days of receipt of the request for review. In any event, if a claim is not determined by the RPAC within ninety (90) days of receipt of written submission for review, it will be deemed to be denied.

The decision of the RPAC will be provided to the claimant as soon as possible but no later than five (5) days after the benefit determination is made. The decision will be in writing and will include the specific reasons for the decision presented in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant and will contain references to all relevant Plan provisions on which the decision was based. Such decision will also advise the claimant that he may receive upon request, and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records and other information relevant to his claim and will inform the claimant of his right to arbitration in the case of an adverse decision regarding his appeal. The decision of the RPAC will be final and conclusive.