It is apples & oranges. The loss to AT&% and others arises because they still carry retirees on their benefit plans for prescription coverage. Previously the government was paying 28% of this cost but no more - this bill cuts off that 28% so the companies have to book the additional expense for all future years in the current period as a result of the loss of this 28%. BUT they will also now do what GE did a long time ago - dump retirees prescriptions on medicare and so medicare will now pay 100% instead of 28%.