Boeing says it will take a charge of $150 million due to the recent healthcare overhaul legislation.

The aircraft maker, based in Chicago, says the charge will hurt earnings by 20 cents per share in the first quarter of 2010.

The charge is due to the fact that beginning in 2013 it will no longer be able to claim an income tax deduction related to certain prescription drug benefits for retirees. Accounting rules require that Boeing Co. take the charge during the period the legislation is enacted.

Several companies have said they will take accounting charges due to the healthcare reform bill including AT&T, AK Steel Corp., Caterpillar Inc. and 3M Co.