Gates, N.Y. — A day after a bankruptcy judge approved Eastman Kodak’s plan to end health care coverage for thousands at the end of the year, dozens flocked to local meetings held to explain future coverage options.
It’s going to cost us more money than it did getting insurance through the company,” said Rich Johnson, a Kodak retiree.
“It’s a new approach to things when you were promised certain retirement benefits and all of a sudden your health insurance and most of your medical goes,” said Richard Bauer, a Kodak employee of forty years.
Bauer attended Lifespan’s morning meeting in Gates on Medicare basics and Medicare Advantage plans offered by insurers.
“It’s been a lot easier, now we’ve gotta [Sic] think about it,” said Bauer.
56,000 retirees and survivors will be impacted by the court’s decision, according to Kodak.
Last week, MVP Healthcare held informational meetings for Kodak workers who were expecting to lose their coverage. So many people attended, a number of retirees were turned away. At two of today’s meetings, there was ample seating.
In a statement regarding the court’s decision, Kodak released the following statement:
“Kodak appreciates the contributions of our retirees and we recognize this action will pose challenges. However, this agreement is one of the many necessary steps to put the company on a path to emerge as a profitable, sustainable company.”
Health benefits will end for Kodak retirees December 31st.
Below you will find links related to Medicare options and related information:
Https://www.mvphealthcare.com/kodak/ https://www.excellusbcbs.com/wps/portal/xl/medicare https://www.uhcmedicaresolutions.com/medicare-education/what-is-medicare http://www.ekra.org/2012-health-care-enrollment/
