MVP Health Care Meets with Kodak Retirees
By: Cierra Putman
Updated: February 2, 2012
Many Kodak retirees have questions about their benefits since the company filed for bankruptcy two weeks ago. Hundreds turned out Thursday to get answers from MVP Health Care about what happens if they lose their benefits.
The company is holding a total of 12 meetings in hopes of calming fears.
MVP serves 23,000 Kodak retirees in the Rochester area including Judy Duffy.
She worked for Kodak for 30 years.
"I left when I was around 50 when they had that great buyout," Duffy said. "I've been out for almost 20 years and never thought that this would happen."
Many retirees like Duffy don't pay monthly premiums for their health insurance thanks to Kodak.
MVP held 4 meetings Thursday explaining similar plans available for Medicare eligible retirees - including some with monthly premiums from nothing to just over 100 dollars.
"I would guess that 80 percent of them should be comfortable with the information that they have and it allows them to make a pretty reasonable choice which should be something that they can afford," Kodak retiree Bill Broomfield said.
"I know now its going to cost me a lot more money than it has in the past, but there's nothing you can do about it," Duffy said.
Even knowing she may pay more in the future, Duffy was able to leave the meeting confident she will have some form of coverage in the future. No matter what happens to Kodak.
Just over 400 Kodak retirees attended the day's meetings which were in Pittsford.
There are a total of 8 more meetings over the next few days. MVP expects to see the largest turnout at the meeting in Greece Friday.
MVP Kodak Retiree Meetings
Friday, February 2, 2012
Rochester Airport Marriott
1890 W. Ridge Road, Greece
Sessions: 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Monday, February 6
Holiday Inn Airport
911 Brooks Avenue, Rochester
Sessions: 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
