Notice to Employees of Microsoft Corporation

This document is about Microsoft Corporation and its captive insurance company, Orcas Ltd., applying to the U.S. Department of Labor for authorization to allow Orcas to reinsure Microsoft's group life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance benefits. The reinsurance arrangement would otherwise be considered a prohibited transaction under ERISA due to the relationship between Microsoft and Orcas. The document outlines the proposed transaction, the parties involved, and the conditions under which the DOL authorization would be granted, including a new "expert second medical opinion" benefit for employees.