VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC | 2013 | FY | 3


The assumed health care cost trend rates follow:

 

     Health Care and Life  
At December 31,    2013     2012     2011  

Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year

     6.50     7.00     7.50

Rate to which cost trend rate gradually declines

     4.75       5.00       5.00  

Year the rate reaches the level it is assumed to remain thereafter

     2020       2016       2016  

us-gaap:ScheduleOfHealthCareCostTrendRatesTableTextBlock