Many employers provide matching contributions in company stock and sometimes there are restrictions on selling it. But as a rule, it's risky to have too much of your assets invested in company stock. Other retirees have bigger holdings. She's feeling affected. Health and life insurance benefits are not protected by federal law.
Retirees often believe health benefits are guaranteed.
But when a company runs into financial trouble, those benefits are often the first to go. Montgomery Ward, for example, recently petitioned the bankruptcy court for permission to terminate retiree health and life insurance benefits. But that coverage is generally not available if a company terminates a group plan. The rules are complex, so workers and retirees should call the PWBA's aid center for help. In that case, workers will suddenly find out their health insurance has lapsed.