June 28, 1983

(Opinion issued in letter form; name and address deleted)

Re: Opinion of Trustees
Resolution of Dispute
Case No. 81-230

Pursuant to ArtIcle IX of the United Mine Workers of America 1950 Benefit Plan and Trust, and under the authority of an exemption granted by the United States Department of Labor, the Trustees have reviewed your Request for Advisory Opinion concerning coverage of your radial keratoplasty.

Under Article III. A. (11) (a) 24 of the Employer’s Benefit Plan, benefits are excluded for treatment with new technological medical devices and therapy which are experimental in nature. According to the information available to the Trustees, radial keratoplasty Is still being researched and is considered to be experimental. Therefore, your Employer is not responsible for payment of charges for your radial keratoplasty.

Sincerely,

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Harrison Combs, Chairman

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John J. O’Connell, Trustee

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Paul R. Dean, Trustee