Reasons for Denial. A denial or partial denial of a claim will be dated and signed on behalf of the Plan Committee and will clearly set forth:

Notice of Denial. If a claim is wholly or partially denied, the denial notice shall contain # the reason or reasons for denial of the claim, and # references to the pertinent Plan provisions upon which the denial is based. Unless the claim is submitted for arbitration as provided below and in the Plan, the Claims Administrator’s decision or action shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons having any interest in the Plan.

Appeal of Claims that Are Denied or Partially Denied. 16

the specific reasons for the denial of the claim (including the facts upon which the denial was based) and reference to any pertinent plan provisions on which the denial is based;

taken within 90 days of receiving the claim. If the claim is denied, the denial shall be set forth in writing and shall include the specific reasons for the denial, with reference to pertinent Plan provisions on which the denial is based, and shall describe the procedure for perfecting the claim, or for requesting a review of the denial. Within 60 days after receiving a notification of denial of a claim, a Participant, Beneficiary or authorized representative may request that the Company make a full and fair review of the denial. In connection with this request, the Participant may review pertinent documents and submit issues or comments in writing. The Company will make a final decision on the claim within 120 days of the request for review. Any decision made by the Company in good faith shall be final and binding on all parties.

Article #: Denial of a Claim for Benefits

The written notice of claim denial will include:

the specific reason or reasons for denial of the claim;

Initial Claim. An individual may, subject to any applicable deadline, file with the Plan Administrator a written claim for benefits under this Plan in a form and manner prescribed by the Plan Administrator.

Claim Procedure. The Committee procedure for handling all claims hereunder and review of denied claims shall be consistent with the provisions of ERISA. If a claim for Plan benefits is denied, the Committee shall provide a written notice within 90 days to the person claiming the benefits that contains the specific reasons for the denial, specific references to Plan provisions on which the Committee based its denial and a statement that the claimant may # request a review upon written application to the Committee within 60 days, # may review pertinent Plan documents and # may submit issues and comments in writing. If a claim is denied because of incomplete information, the notice shall also indicate what additional information is required. If additional time is required to make a decision on the claim, the Committee shall notify the claimant of the delay within the original 90 day period. This notice will also indicate the special circumstances requiring the extension and the date by which a decision is expected. This extension period may not exceed 90 days beyond the end of the first 90-day period.