Kodak Retirees Get Healthcare "Safety Net", Governor Signs Legislation

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation Wednesday that would provide retirees with healthcare plans, if Kodak should ax theirs.

Retirees have worried for months what would happen if they lost their healthcare benefits provided by Kodak.

Some of them gave 20 or 30 years of service to the company but tonight they have something to fall back on just in case.

Retirees have worried for months what would happen if they lost their healthcare benefits provided by Kodak.

Some of them gave 20 or 30 years of service to the company but now they have something to fall back on just in case.

Alyce Hahn is one of those retired workers.

She put in 34 years in Kodak's marketing department.

When she retired in 2006, Hahn never expected bankruptcy or the possibility of losing benefits.

"For me it's going to be a huge burden off my shoulders because I was facing a $1300 a month charge for healthcare if this bill hadn't been passed," said Alyce Hahn, Kodak retiree.

Alyce and about 5-thousand other Kodak retirees can now get healthcare coverage if Kodak decides to bow out.

"I think it's wonderful we got all of the local legislators to come together and sponsor the bill, get it passed," said Hahn.

Lieutenant Governor Bob Duffy took a day off from Albany to come home and tout the Kodak legislation.

"As somebody who lived in the shadow of Kodak throughout most of this life, I understand the impact and the number of people it affects so it really is a great day," said Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy, (D) New York.

Alyce said a recent survey of Kodak retirees shows that a quarter of those under age 65 would opt not to have health insurance if they had to pay higher rates.

Kodak's retiree organization, EKRA, fought hard for this since February.

"It means for them a safety net so that of Kodak were to terminate healthcare for under age 65 we would be able to have a plan in place to provide that help," said Arthur Roberts, EKRA President.

It's estimated Kodak retirees will pay close to the same premiums they have now roughly several hundred dollars a month.

Tom O'Connell still works inside Kodak but this project manager said he may need the same help.

"Personally I think this is a great step forward and I hope it has a positive affect," said O'Connell.

For now, retirees say this is a net many can fall back on, but they hope Kodak works on moving ahead.

"I think the key now is for Kodak to be very successful with its auction successful in restructuring and then be able to offer something to retirees going forward," said Roberts.

The law was passed unanimously by the Senate and Assembly.

It authorizes the Department of Financial Services to approve what's called a "demonstration program" that will provide experience rated health insurance coverage to retired Eastman Kodak employees who are not eligible for Medicare coverage.

Senator Joe Robach (R Rochester, Assemblyman Joseph Morelle (D) Rochester co-sponsored the legislation.

There is no cost to taxpayers.