CORPORATE CRIMEFIGHTERS OF AMERICA

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Atlanta (Dec. 21) - Insurance Commissioner W. Oxendine

announced today that he has fined UnumProvident Corp. companies an

additional half million dollars for alleged mishandling of

disability claims.

Oxendine is requiring companies owned by UnumProvident Corp. to not

only change their claims practices, but also to re-assess certain

claims denied or benefits terminated going back as far as 1997. As

many as 8,821 Georgia claimants will be affected.

" This is a continuation of an action we initiated last year.

Thousands of Georgia citizens will benefit from this agreement "

Oxendine said. " I hope this action sends a message not only to Unum

but other insurers in Georgia that I expect and will see to it that

Georgia claimants are dealt with fairly. "

In March of 2003, Oxendine ordered Unum to pay a fine totaling $1

million as part of an initial response by Oxendine to his

investigation of Unum?s claims-handling practices in Georgia.

In addition to the fine, the companies were required to make changes

to their claims handling practices and placed on probation for two

years. During this period of probation Oxendine?s office has

monitored Unum?s claims handling practices, including quarterly

reviews of any Georgia claims that are denied by the companies.

Additionally, if the companies fail to meet the terms of the Plan of

Corrective Action set forth in the agreements, a substantial fine

($145 million) will be imposed.

The following requirements are also set forth in the action:

offer, in writing, to reassess claims denied or closed since January

1, 2000 for reasons other than settlement, death, or reaching

benefit maximums;

provide reassessment, upon request, of claims similarly denied or

closed between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 1999;

modify claims handling and benefit determination practices; improve

accountability and oversight of claims processes; and enhance

corporate governance by expanding the Board of Directors by three

directors with insurance industry or regulatory experience.

Approximately 40 states have entered into similar orders with Unum

totaling $15 million in fines.

Consumers who have questions concerning the settlement can contact

the company. UnumProvident has established a toll-free number for

such claimant inquiries: 866-278-4641. Consumers may also contact

Oxendine?s Consumer Services Division at 404-656-2070, or toll-free

at 1-800-656-2298.

HELP OUT, PITCH IN, STEP UP, DO THE RIGHT THING

Please support our cause if you feel this is important work. It is

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victims with little resources. Send donations or subscription

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www.corporatecrimefighters.com

UNUM'S SECRET " DESTROYED " CLAIMS MANUALS NOW AVAILABLE - Email

manuals@... for details.

THE UNFINISHED TASK

" Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible

government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility

to the people. To destroy this invisible government, to befoul the

unholy alliance between corrupt business and corrupt politics is the

first task of the statesmanship of the day. " Theodore Roosevelt,

April 19, 1906

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