December's Double-Header

The December back-to-back Corning Incorporated Retirees Group programs were each attended by more than 100 people who on Wednesday (the 14 th) were told of the changes in the retiree health/medical programs for 2012 and then, on Thursday, enjoyed luncheon, chatter and fun at the annual Christmas Party in the Riverfront Café.

Health Care Update

Wednesday’s meeting started out in the Café, but when it was clear the Café was too small for the turnout, the retirees were redirected to the second-floor auditorium where all could have a much better view of the PowerPoint presentation by Matt Buto and Ruth Felszar of the company’s employee benefits group. Buto is manager of the group’s financial benefits program. Felszar is manager of health and welfare benefits. In their respective roles and with the help of the PowerPoint slides, they reviewed and explained the company’s benefits going forward.

Felszar said that with the program’s prescription provisions, retirees do not need the Medicare Part B program. The Medicare Crossover Program in which Medicare reviews claims, makes approved payments and then promptly notifies United Health is working well, she said. She added that new Corning Incorporated medical insurance cards have been mailed to all covered retirees. Retirees were reminded that Corning Advantages On Line can help answer questions about health and welfare, pensions or even investments. Retirees can also go on line to update their address, change beneficiaries, and review their personal programs.

In summary, the duo said the best way to control medical costs is to “stay healthy, use your plan(s) wisely, and manage your specific chronic health conditions. They also urged all to be savvy health care consumers by taking full advantage of the assistance and guidance available from pharmacists. At the end of the meeting, the retirees learned that Corning Incorporated is one of only a few companies that still provide health care coverage for retirees, and that the company’s health care programs serve more retirees than active employees.

Christmas Party

Where retirees at Wednesday’s program were focused on the speakers, Thursday’s attendees were focused on the folks sharing their table and enjoying the food and chatter. As the price of admission, retirees were asked to contribute non-perishable foods or cash for the local Salvation Army. Six and a half cases of food and $15 were delivered to the Salvation Army after the party by event chairman, Bob Kosty.

A dozen poinsettia plants that adorned café tables for the event and a beautiful floral arrangement centerpiece at the registration table were donated by Tom Cortright and were given away as door prizes, as were several gifts provided by the CIRG board members. And so ended another calendar year of CIRG activities.

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