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For nearly 15 years, Embarq retiree James Kimbrell has enjoyed a generous retirement package. The medical and life insurance benefits have brought him peace of mind and helped pay for medications, doctor's visits and cancer treatments for his late wife, Ann. Kimbrell never imagined he could lose them, but that's exactly what will happen Jan. 1. Embarq, formerly Sprint, is eliminating medical benefits for all retirees and capping life insurance benefits at $10,000.

"It's a slap in the face," said Kimbrell, who worked for the companies that eventually became Embarq for a total of 39 years. "They were promised to me."

Crestview resident J.R. Clay, who worked 32 years at Centel and Sprint, agrees and has raised the idea of filing a class-action lawsuit. He has organized meetings for local retirees affected by the cuts.

"Every retiree was told that he would have this health insurance for the rest of his life," Clay said.