Health News

Taxpayers would have to pay at least $3 billion annually in the event that the Big Three automakers -- General Motors, Chrysler and Ford -- have to file for bankruptcy and no longer pay for retiree health care, United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger said on Tuesday during a Senate Banking Committee hearing, the Detroit News reports. During the hearing, Gettelfinger, as well as the CEOs of the companies, testified about the need for emergency assistance for the auto industry (Shepardson, Detroit News, 11/18).

Officials from UAW last week in a meeting with congressional leaders asked for $25 billion in additional federal loans for health care payments for retirees. The loans would help cover the contributions from the companies to a voluntary employees' beneficiary association for UAW retirees. Officials for the companies also asked for $25 billion in loans to maintain operations (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 11/14)…