Report on Annual Meeting of the AMSR 10-29-2009
By: John Greggs

Let me start by saying the views expressed here are mine and mine alone. I am a charter member of the Association of Monsanto and Solutia Retirees ( AMSR ) but I am not an officer and consider myself a reporter for those who are unable to attend the meetings and other functions. The AMSR exists to promote the interests and welfare of all Monsanto-Solutia retirees and their families. One of the main concerns is making sure the retirees know and understand the different choices they have in health insurance once they reach 65 and are Medicare eligible. As all of you who are over 65 know, the time to select coverage for 2010 is fast approaching. It starts on Nov. 15th and my mail box is already filling up everyday with "choose me" letters.There are many good plans out there but you must choose the one that fits your personal needs and that you can afford. If you travel to different states often, make sure you are covered wherever you go. Also make sure your Doctors accept the insurance you choose. OK, now to the meeting which was short and sweet.

The list of officers and the financial report are in the Fall Newsletter which is posted on our web page : http://members.cox.net/msretirees/

The meeting opened with remarks by Gerald McArthur and he reminded the retirees that the sale of the nylon business this summer did not include the retirees. Solutia is still responsible for the retirees. The benefits number is still 1-888-476-5236. If you are still under Solutia's health plan it would be a good idea to call and see how much of your lifetime benefits of $65,000 you have used up. The open period to change insurance is 11-15-09 to 12-31-09 if you want to compare rates.

This is the time to check rates and compare your coverage. As I said before there are many plans out there and the two most popular with retirees are BC/BS and Humana which offers a group plan for Monsanto/Solutia retirees. If you talk to Humana representatives in other states you must tell them you are a retiree and ask about the group rates.

In Florida they should know this.

Everybody has special needs so where you live affects your choices.

Other items:

Gerald also pointed out that the amount of company life insurance you retain is dependent on your retirement date so be sure your family knows this and have the benefits number written down with your other important papers.

It is a sad fact but our numbers are shrinking from a high of 24,000 when Solutia was spun off down to an estimated 16,000/17,000 now. The AMSR mailed out 5,600 newsletters this fall at a cost of $2000.00.

We post the newsletter on our web page for all to read every time one is published. I also try to update the e-mail list monthly and will add any name of a retiree or spouse who requests it. Due to frugal management the AMSR has not collected dues in the last few years as the only major expenses are the annual meeting and the newsletters. What other group do you know that can say this? The AMSR council and Officers are to be commended for their time and dedication to all of us retirees.