Hi Pamela:

You should go ahead and file a proof of claim. The big question then is going to be what amount to place on the proof of claim. I assume your annuity is a certain amount per month for life. If so, you can find the present value of that by googling life annuity calculator and you can find a website (there are many) where you can type in your age, the amount you receive per month and it will give you the value of an annuity that pays you that for life. Your annuity may well be at risk in the bankruptcy, and depending upon the Plan that ends up being confirmed, you could stand to lose part or even all of it. I have looked up some information on the AMR Bankruptcy and it looks like the APFA (which I assume is your union) is actively participating in the case and has attorneys representing the union. You might contact them for pointers on completing and filing your proof of claim. But again, based no what you've told me, I believe you would have an unsecured proof of claim for the value of your annuity, plus your health care for life. You might add to your monthly annuity what your current healthcare might cost you to buy the insurance policy yourself, and plug that into the online annuity calculator to find a present value. Good luck,

John A. Flynn