Please read the following table in Markdown format and then answer the question according to the table. Table cells in one row are seperated by '|', and different rows are seperated by '
'.

Table:
|  | Pension Benefits | Pension Benefits | Retiree Medical and  Other Postretirement Benefits | Retiree Medical and  Other Postretirement Benefits |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 |
|  | (In millions) | (In millions) | (In millions) | (In millions) |
| Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period | $10,053 | $11,395 | $225 | $295 |
| Actual return (loss) on plan assets | 2,305 | ( 1,151 ) | 41 | ( 24 ) |
| Employer contributions (3) | 1,230 | 475 | 12 | 35 |
| Settlements | ( 2 ) | ( 4 ) | — | — |
| Benefit payments | ( 689 ) | ( 662 ) | ( 74 ) | ( 81 ) |
| Fair value of plan assets at end of period | $12,897 | $10,053 | $204 | $225 |
| Funded status at end of period | $ ( 5,461 ) | $ ( 6,325 ) | $ ( 620 ) | $ ( 612 ) |
Question:
How much did American pay for benefits in 2019?
Answer:
( 689 )