WINDSTREAM CORPORATION: 7670-00-411042 A42/A43 Consumer 5000 Coverage Period:01/01/2016 – 12/31/2016

Summary of Benefits and Coverage: What this Plan Covers & What it Costs Coverage for: Individual + Family | Plan Type:HDHP

This is only a summary.

Important Questions Answers

Why this Matters:

2017 Annual Enrollment Guidemy health. my wealth. my life.

Your 2017 Benefit Options This guide is designed to help you choose the best coverage for you and your family under our 2017 benefits program. We are excited to announce the following enhancements for 2017:

• Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums remain unchanged for medical, dental, vision and life insurance compared to 2016;

• We will contribute $500 to a Health Savings Account for employees who are enrolled in a Windstream Consumer medical plan; and

• We will offer new supplemental insurance options via convenient payroll deduction.

Enrollment occurs Oct. 31 to Nov. 11, 2016. For complete benefit program details and resources, visit windstreambenefits.com.

Resources for Making DecisionsVisit windstreambenefits.com to access the resources below:

• Medical Expense Cost Estimator – You can use this tool to estimate your 2017 medical expenses under the plan’s coverage options based on your historical expenses or planned activity for 2017.

• Health Cost Estimator – You can review the average cost of most services, doctors and hospitals, and the quality of the facilities before you make an appointment.

• Summaries of Benefit Coverage (SBC) – You can compare plan options side-by-side by printing out paper SBCs.

Windstream

IMPORTANT! You will receive new medical ID cards for 2017. You should keep your current cards until you receive your new cards. Your current pharmacy, dental, FSA and HSA cards will carry over to 2017 unless you

make changes to the benefits you had in 2016.

Enroll Online Oct. 31 – Nov. 11 • windstreambenefits.com • 877.550.3255

October 2016

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Prepare for Enrol lment

1 Decide what coverage you need for yourself and your dependents. Choose a medical plan through Windstream, a spouse’s employer, a federal or state marketplace, Medicare, TRICARE, or other available sources. Important Reminder: Employees are required to take action by either (A) enrolling or (B) waiving coverage for 2017 medical, FSA, prescription drug, dental and vision benefits. Enrollment in Windstream’s benefits continues to be optional, but all individuals are required by law to have medical coverage per the Affordable Care Act or face a tax penalty.

2 Use the medical and pharmacy plan analysis tool in the benefits enrollment platform (windstreambenefits.com) to evaluate the premium and out-of-pocket costs of Windstream’s plans.

3 You need your dependents’ Social Security Numbers and birth dates available if they are not already enrolled in a Windstream plan.

4 Decide if you qualify for a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Medical FSA account to put aside pre-tax dollars for health expenses.

5 You will need required documentation, like birth certificates and marriage licenses, to enroll dependents who were not enrolled in 2016.

Quick Tip: When enrolling, be sure to check the

box next to your dependent’s name to enroll them in each plan.

Health Insurance Premiums Unchanged Medical premiums will not increase in 2017. The company will absorb premium increases and therefore pay a larger portion of your total premium cost.

Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums will also remain unchanged, as will dental, vision and life insurance rates for 2017. As a reminder, Windstream health plans cover a set of preventive services like immunizations and screening tests at no cost to you even if you have not met your deductible.

Health Savings Account Company Contribution Employees who are enrolled in a Windstream Consumer medical plan effective Jan. 1, 2017, will receive a $500 tax-free contribution to their Health Savings Account (HSA). The contribution will be deposited in January 2017.

IRS rules restrict some participants from opening an HSA. For employees who enroll in a Windstream Consumer Plan but not an HSA, we will make the contribution through payroll and withhold taxes. (Certain executives are not eligible for the contribution.)

New Supplemental Insurance OptionsWe will offer two new insurance options through Allstate via convenient payroll deduction that provide a cash payment in the event of major illness or accidental injury.

New Well-being ProgramWe will introduce a new well-being partner and program in 2017 that will include a holistic view of well-being – physical, financial, social, purpose in life, and community. This new program replaces the WinWell and Healthy Return programs.

Enhanced Vacation Plan Starting in January 2017, our vacation plan will provide vacation benefits earlier in your tenure. You will earn an extra week of vacation at your 3 and 10-year anniversaries. Previously, you earned these extra weeks at your 5 and 15-year anniversaries. Your extra week of vacation is available at the beginning of the calendar year in which you reach your milestone anniversary. If you have already reached one of these new milestones, you will receive the enhanced vacation benefit as well. You will continue to receive 5 weeks of vacation starting with your 25-year anniversary.

Weeks of Vacation Current Plan Enhanced Plan3 5-year anniversary 3-year anniversary4 15-year anniversary 10-year anniversary5 25-year anniversary 25-year anniversary

Expanded Diabetes Management ProgramThe Livongo diabetes management program will be available to Windstream medical plan participants living with diabetes. The program includes a free glucometer, test strips, alerts and coaching.

We will also extend the Omada pre-diabetes weight loss program for another year. Omada (formerly Prevent), a 16-week online program, helps you lose weight and reduce your odds of developing certain chronic diseases, like type 2 diabetes.

Increased Employee Discount Employees who live in Windstream ILEC service territories are eligible to receive a 50 percent discount on bundled or solo packages of high speed Internet and Kinetic video services.

2017 Total Rewards Enhancements

Qualified Change in Family StatusAfter the annual enrollment period closes, you may not change your election unless you incur a qualified change in family status. The election change must be made within 31 calendar days of your change in family status. Please refer to the Summary Plan Description found at windstreambenefits.com for further explanation.

Participation by bargaining unit employees in Windstream’s benefit plans is subject to the terms of their collective bargaining agreement.

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Other Changes in 2017Wellness Incentive A new well-being partner and program will be introduced in 2017. The new program will include a holistic view of well-being. The WinWell and Healthy Return programs will end. The Biometric Screening and Personal Health Assessment for you and your covered spouse will continue, and the $500 annual surcharge for not completing those activities will remain. New hires are excluded from the surcharge in their first calendar year.

Limited Use FSAThe Limited Use FSA that was funded by 2015 roll-over dollars when we transitioned to Health Savings Accounts ends on Dec. 31, 2016. You can use the remaining funds for dental and vision expenses through the end of the year. All remaining funds after 2016 will be forfeited.

BridgeHealth Surgery Network The BridgeHealth program will end Dec. 31, 2016. With the continued expansion of out-patient surgery centers, the program has little demand or cost-savings.

Day Care FSA Use While on Leave With current IRS regulations, Day Care FSA accounts cannot be used when you are not actively working. Day Care FSA deductions will be suspended when an employee is out on leave.

Spouse Life Insurance Rates During annual enrollment, employees who currently have or plan to enroll in Spouse Life Insurance will enter the spouse’s demographic information. The spouse’s age will determine their life rate for 2017. In prior years, the employee’s age was used to determine the spouse’s life rate.

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2017 Medical PlansBi-Weekly Premium

Annual Deductible

Annual Embedded Ind.

Deductible

Coinsurance(In-Network)

Annual Out of Pocket Max

(OOP)

Annual Embedded

Individual OOP

Max HSA Contribution

-or- Max FSA Contribution

Employee OnlyConsumer 5000 $69.26 $2,000 NA You pay 20% $5,000 NA $3,400 $2,550Consumer 6000 $40.13 $4,000 NA You pay 30% $6,000 NA $3,400 $2,550Consumer 6300 $27.80 $6,300 NA You pay 0% $6,300 NA $3,400 $2,550

Employee + SpouseConsumer 5000 $173.16 $4,000 None You pay 20% $10,000 $5,000 $6,750 $2,550Consumer 6000 $100.32 $8,000 $4,000 You pay 30% $12,000 $6,000 $6,750 $2,550Consumer 6300 $69.50 $12,600 $6,300 You pay 0% $12,600 $6,300 $6,750 $2,550

Employee + Child(ren)Consumer 5000 $121.21 $4,000 None You pay 20% $10,000 $5,000 $6,750 $2,550Consumer 6000 $70.22 $8,000 $4,000 You pay 30% $12,000 $6,000 $6,750 $2,550Consumer 6300 $48.65 $12,600 $6,300 You pay 0% $12,600 $6,300 $6,750 $2,550

Employee + FamilyConsumer 5000 $205.02 $4,000 None You pay 20% $10,000 $5,000 $6,750 $2,550Consumer 6000 $118.78 $8,000 $4,000 You pay 30% $12,000 $6,000 $6,750 $2,550Consumer 6300 $82.29 $12,600 $6,300 You pay 0% $12,600 $6,300 $6,750 $2,550

Medical/Pharmacy Plan Terms You Need to KnowDeductible – The amount you owe before your health insurance plan begins to pay. The deductible may not apply to all services.

Embedded Deductible – For the Consumer 6000 and 6300 plans, this is equal to the employee only plan deductible for any covered person on an employee + family member plan. This means a single member of your family can meet the embedded deductible and enter the coinsurance phase without all covered members reaching the full plan deductible.

Coinsurance – Your share of the costs after the deductible is met. You may receive an added coinsurance benefit for preventive prescription care. See description below.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum – The most you pay during the year before Windstream begins to pay 100% of the allowed amount.

In-Network – A provider who has a contract with your health insurer or plan to provide services or prescriptions to you at a discount. You will likely pay extra for out-of-network usage and can be balance-billed by the provider.

Preventive Medical Care – Windstream health plans cover a set of preventive services at no cost to you even if you haven’t met your deductible. Covered preventive care services include biometric screenings, mammograms, colonoscopies, vaccines and well-woman visits. Be sure to follow the recommended age guidelines outlined in the medical summary plan description when scheduling your preventive care. For a complete list visit healthcare.gov/coverage/preventive-care-benefits.

Preventive Prescription Drugs – Certain medications are defined by the IRS as preventive. A complete preventive medication list is available at windstreambenefits.com. Preventive prescription medications are available at a coinsurance rate whether or not you have met the deductible on the Consumer 5000 and Consumer 6000 plans. The Consumer 6300 plan does not waive the deductible for these medications; therefore, you pay the full cost until you meet the deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.

Get care at your convenience, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for $45. Doctors are available to treat conditions like sinus infections, colds, rashes, allergies and ear infections. Use the mobile app, website, or phone number (800.835.2362) on the back of your medical ID card to schedule a video or phone appointment.Not available in Arkansas due to state law.

The NEW Windstream store is here!

Windstreamstuff.com4

2017 Prescription PlansThe Windstream medical plan includes prescription drug coverage. Both medical and prescription drug payments count toward meeting your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.

Critical Illness Insurance Critical Illness Insurance from Allstate can give you the power to take control of your health when faced with a new diagnosis such as heart attack, stroke, major organ transplant and invasive cancer. This insurance pays benefits that can be used for non-medical, critical illness-related expenses that health insurance might not cover. The cash benefit is in the form of a lump sum payment, which is paid after a covered diagnosis. Rates for non-smokers are below. A complete list of rates can be found at windstreambenefits.com. Contact Allstate at 866-701-7439 to discuss specific coverage questions.

Premiums Per Pay Period$10,000 face amount for Non-Smokers

Age Employee Employee + Spouse

Employee +Child(ren) Family

18-29 $1.88 $2.82 $1.88 $2.8230-39 $3.72 $5.58 $3.72 $5.5840-49 $7.20 $10.80 $7.20 $10.8050-59 $13.06 $19.60 $13.06 $19.6060-63 $21.42 $32.14 $21.42 $32.1464+ $27.92 $41.86 $27.92 $41.86

$20,000 face amount for Non-Smokers

Age Employee Employee + Spouse

Employee +Child(ren) Family

18-29 $3.76 $5.64 $3.76 $5.6430-39 $7.44 $11.16 $7.44 $11.1640-49 $14.42 $21.62 $14.42 $21.6250-59 $26.12 $39.18 $26.12 $39.1860-63 $42.86 $64.26 $42.86 $64.2664+ $55.82 $83.72 $55.82 $83.72

Away-From-Work Accident PlanAccident Insurance from Allstate pays benefits for off-the-job accidents, plus some benefits that correspond with medical care. The plan also includes benefits for a variety of occurrences related to an accident, such as: dismemberment; dislocation or fracture; hospital confinement; ambulance services; physical therapy and more. The cash benefits can be used to help pay for deductibles, treatment, house payments, and more. Contact Allstate at 866-701-7439 to discuss specific coverage questions.

Premiums Per Pay Period

Employee Employee + Spouse

Employee + Child(ren) Family

$4.80 $7.20 $9.60 $12.00

2017 Supplemental Insurance Options

A Note About GenericsBefore you fill a prescription ask your doctor about your options. Generic prescriptions are usually less expensive than a name-brand medication. You should also consult with your pharmacist about the cost, as many retailers offer generic discount programs that may save you more.

All prescription costs filed with your insurance card will apply toward meeting your deductible. You can research the cost of prescriptions by logging into your Express Scripts account at express-scripts.com.

Filling a PrescriptionWhen you fill a prescription, you pay the retail price until you reach your deductible. Both medical and pharmacy expenses count toward meeting your deductible. After meeting your deductible, you pay your coinsurance rate until you reach the out-of-pocket maximum at which time Windstream pays 100% of the prescription cost.

You may fill up to a 30-day supply at a retail pharmacy and up to a 90-day supply via home delivery (mail order). Maintenance medications must be filled via home delivery after two orders have been filled at a retail pharmacy. An additional $10 charge is added if the retail prescription is filled at a non-network pharmacy. The pharmacy network includes retailers such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Kroger, Target, Costco, Safeway, Albertsons, and Rite-Aid.

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Prescription Plan Rates

Consumer 5000 & 6000

Consumer6300

Preventive Rx(See IRS list)†

All Other Rx Preventive Rx(See IRS list)†

All Other Rx

Before Deductible is Met

You pay Coinsurance

(20-40%)

You Pay 100%

You Pay 100%

You Pay 100%

After Deductible is Met

You pay Coinsurance

(20-40%)

You pay Coinsurance

(20-40%) You Pay 0% You Pay 0%

After Out-of-Pocket Max is Met

You pay 0% You pay 0% You Pay 0% You Pay 0%

†Certain medications are defined by the IRS as preventive. A complete preventive medication list is available at windstreambenefits.com.

Drug Category Coinsurance RatesThe Consumer 6300 plan does not have a coinsurance phase.

Retail and Mail Order Pharmacy Coinsurance (Specialty drugs – See Below)

Consumer5000 & 6000

Generic You pay 20% Formulary Brand-Name You pay 30% Nonformulary (Nonpreferred) Brand Name You pay 40%

Accredo (mail order) Coinsurance for specialty drugs*

Consumer5000 & 6000

Drugs requiring Accredo delivery via mail order

You pay 50%; $100 maximum per script

*Specialty medications are defined by Express Scripts and are typically those used for chronic or complex diseases such as: Hepatitis, Multiple Sclerosis, Growth Hormone Deficiency, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Infertility, Hemophilia, and Oncology.

2017 Vision PlansThe Windstream vision plan includes two providers from which you can choose. Both VSP and Spectera offer cost savings, a broad and diverse provider network and freedom of choice on eye wear.

• Spectera offers access to a network of optometrists and large retail optical retailers.

• VSP specializes in ophthalmologists and in-house optometry locations.

Premiums Per Pay Period

Coverage Tier VSP Vision Plan Spectera Vision PlanEmployee Only $4.74 $3.54Emp + Spouse $7.33 $5.46Emp + Child(ren) $7.49 $5.58Emp + Family $12.06 $8.99

2017 Dental PlansThe Windstream dental plan, provided by Delta Dental of Arkansas, offers high and low coverage options for you to choose from. Both options allow you to receive care from any dental provider and cover preventive, basic and major restorative charges (the high option also covers orthodontic charges) according to a coinsurance payment schedule.

Premiums Per Pay Period

Coverage Tier Dental High Option Dental Low OptionEmployee Only $8.22 $4.02Emp + Spouse $16.69 $7.54Emp + Child(ren) $14.35 $7.16Emp + Family $25.65 $11.94

2017 SurchargesSpousal Surcharge – A $100 per month surcharge will be applied if your spouse has coverage available through his/her employer or receives a contribution toward coverage, but chooses to be on a Windstream medical plan.

Tobacco Use Surcharge – A $50 monthly surcharge will be applied to employees and/or spouses who use tobacco products and did not complete smoking cessation coaching in 2016. The surcharge can be stopped and removed prospectively during the year by completing the smoking cessation coaching through our well-being program provider.

Biometric Screening and Health Assessment Surcharge – A $500 annual surcharge will apply to employees and enrolled spouses who do not complete a Biometric Screening and Personal Health Assessment. More details about these activities and deadlines will be available in the first quarter of 2017.

Chronic Condition Counseling Surcharge – If you or an enrolled spouse are living with a chronic condition such as diabetes, asthma, COPD, heart disease or congestive heart failure, you can avoid a $250 annual surcharge by engaging with a Nurse Care Coordinator before May 31, 2017. Call 877.550.3255 to schedule an appointment with a Care Coordinator.

Get your Flu Shot to Protect you and your Family

Simply present your medical or prescription insurance card to your doctor or pharmacy to receive your annual vaccine free of charge.

Help When you Need ItWindstream offers an Employee Assistance Program through Magellan to help you reduce stress, strengthen relationships, increase productivity and

improve your quality of life. Receive up to 5 free, confidential consultations with licensed behavioral health professionals. Log on to magellanhealth.com/member or call 800.327.5569

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401k Match ProgramWindstream offers a 401k matching program as a key benefit in our total compensation package. Financial well-being is a critical part of our overall well-being.

Are you maximizing your financial well-being with our 401k benefit?

This is the perfect time of year to review your financial strategy and think about the following items:1. If you are not contributing to the 401k plan or not

contributing enough to get the full match, consider enrolling or using the annual automatic increase feature. Enrollment and contribution changes can be made via www.benefits.ml.com.

2. Diversification in your investments is a traditionally recommended approach. Merrill Lynch, our 401k administrator, offers Advice Access on their website to personalize an investment portfolio approach based on your goals and risk tolerance. They also offer personal financial advising via phone.

3. If you have questions about our 401k plan, please contact Merrill Lynch at 800.228.4015.

2017 Health Savings AccountsEnjoy the triple-tax advantage and a $500 contribution from Windstream when you enroll in a Health Savings Account (HSA) effective Jan. 1, 2017. Contributions are tax free, earnings are tax free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax free. (Certain executives are not eligible for the company contribution.) HSA participants can change or stop their contribution during the plan year. Unused funds roll over from year to year, and the funds in the account belong to you to use now or later in retirement.

New HSA enrollees will receive an HSA debit card for payment convenience. After enrollment you can access your account online through OptumHealth.com.

Is a Health Savings Account right for you? You Decide.

These plans are designed and governed by federal regulations. You cannot enroll in a health savings account if:• You are enrolled in Medicare (any part), TRICARE or TRICARE

for Life• You are claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return• You are covered by a Full Medical Flexible Spending Account, or• You are covered by any other health plan that is not a federally

qualified, high deductible plan.

The IRS sets annual contribution limits (combined employee and Windstream contributions) for Health Savings Accounts. The 2017 contribution limits are:• $3,400 for individual coverage• $6,750 for family coverage• $1,000 additional catch up contribution for those age 55+

2017 Flexible Spending AccountsWhile the HSA option is great for most, there are cases where a medical FSA might make more sense. How so? If you…1) Need access to the full annual FSA election amount at the beginning of the year, 2) Are age 65+ and are enrolled in part A of Medicare coverage, or 3) You anticipate having 2016 medical FSA funds left to roll over into 2017 (maximum of $500 can be rolled over) and want to use them for medical expenses. Note: If you had a medical FSA in 2015 and rolled into a limited use FSA in 2016, see important information on page 3.

Allowable Contributions for 2017Each year the IRS determines the maximum amount of contributions for FSA Reimbursement Plans. At the time this document was created, the current maximums as defined by the IRS were:

• Medical: $2,550 annual maximum • Day Care: $5,000 annual maximum per family. The Dependent

Care maximum is a family limit; you and your spouse cannot contribute more than the maximums combined. If you are on leave, or married and your spouse does not work and does not actively seek work, you are not eligible to participate in the Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan.

• Commuter: $250 per month

When you enroll in a medical FSA plan, you will be issued a YSA debit card which is a prepaid card to use to pay medical expenses only. Commuter and Day Care claims use a reimbursement process.

Important• Remember to keep your receipts from your eligible expenses in

case you are asked to provide them at a later date. • If you are already enrolled in a FSA, your current card will be

loaded with your new election for 2017. Don’t throw it away!• Download the “Reimburse Me” App to file claims quickly.

Dependent VerificationIf you newly enroll dependents for 2017 coverage, you will receive a letter in December with a due date

requesting proof of eligibility for any dependent(s) you enroll in any medical, dental or vision benefit plan. A list of eligible dependents (spouse, child, stepchild, grandchild, etc.) may be

found at windstreambenefits.com.

Next Steps• Enroll in your selected benefit plan(s)

by Nov. 11, 2016

• Discuss cost-saving options with your doctor and pharmacist

• Compare your benefit options, including the Healthcare Marketplace at healthcare.gov

• Make sure the correct SSN is listed for your dependents

• Print or save your confirmation statement for your records – make sure you have enrolled yourself and each of your dependents in the plans you intended

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my health. my wealth. my life.

www.windstreambenefits.com • 877.550.3255

4001 N. Rodney Parham Road Little Rock, AR 72212

Questions? Contact a Care Coordinator through Quantum Health Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central at 877.550.3255.

Go to windstreambenefits.com for more information

Look Inside for 2017 Annual Enrollment

Details

Get Ready to Enroll

Get Ready to Enroll

Enroll Online Oct. 31 through Nov. 11

Annual Enrollment is Oct. 31 – Nov. 11

Windstream

Presort First ClassUS Postage

PAIDLittle Rock ARPermit XXXX

Participation by bargaining unit employees in any of the plans in this document is subject to the terms of their collective bargaining agreements. Windstream intends to maintain plans as described for 2017; however, it reserves the right to amend, modify, terminate, or partially terminate benefits at any time.