Updated
Updated · WTHITV.com · Jul 20
Peabody Ends Retiree Health Program in 5 Months as Indiana Ex-Miners Protest
Updated
Updated · WTHITV.com · Jul 20

Peabody Ends Retiree Health Program in 5 Months as Indiana Ex-Miners Protest

1 articles · Updated · WTHITV.com · Jul 20

Summary

  • Former Peabody mine workers rallied in Vincennes after letters told them the retirement medical assistance program will end in about five months.
  • Peabody said it terminated the RMA program after a benefits review found it was not aligned with market-competitive practices, adding the notice period gives retirees time to prepare.
  • Retirees said the cut could upend finances built around the coverage, with some citing new medical crises, a spouse's recent retirement and lost plans to visit family.
  • Protesters also tied the move to a longer history of coal-industry benefit losses and bankruptcies, and said they will keep pressing their case through billboards and future gatherings.

Insights

After securing new federal funding, why is a coal giant abandoning its retired miners' healthcare?
Facing losses and a lawsuit, is cutting retiree healthcare about corporate survival or shareholder payouts?