GM letter confuses some Delphi retirees

STAFF REPORT

WARREN — Some Delphi Packard Electric retirees are confused by a letter General Motors sent them about health care, a union official said.

GM, which is providing health care for the retirees, informed retirees who are older than 65 that they have drug coverage under Medicare, said Karen Krolopp, president of Local 717 of the International Union of Electrical Workers. The automaker was required to send the letter under federal regulations, she said.

The letter is causing confusion, however, because the drug coverage is ending Jan. 1.

Krolopp said some retirees are interpreting the letter to mean that their drug coverage has been extended. It has not; drug coverage is still ending, she said.

“The letter has correct information, but it’s unfortunate timing,” she said.

In addition, younger retirees are starting to receive their information packets on a new health-care plan for them. It provides fewer benefits and higher deductibles than the current plan.

Delphi retirees are receiving benefit cuts because of the auto supplier’s recent bankruptcy.