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Early Retiree Reinsurance Program Applicants

On June 29, 2010, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) posted new material to help applicable plans submit their applications for the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program. HHS is accepting and reviewing applications effective immediately; therefore, any employer sponsored group health plan who is providing coverage for retirees who are not yet eligible for Medicare should complete the online application in its entirety. A plan is not eligible for reimbursement under this program until HHS has reviewed and approved the application.

The Early Retiree Reinsurance Program was established to assist employer sponsored group health plans offset some of the cost associated with providing coverage for retirees who are not yet eligible for Medicare. When a plan is deemed eligible, the program will provide the following financial assistance:

• HHS will reimburse medical claims dating back to June 1, 2010
• Qualified benefits include medical, surgical, hospital, prescription drug, and mental health services
• HHS will reimburse up to 80% of medical claims costs for health benefits between $15,000 and $90,000

This program will end on January 1, 2014, when early retirees will be able to choose from the additional coverage options that will be available in the health insurance exchanges.

The online application is accessible at: http://www.hhs.gov/ociio/regulations. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact HNAS' compliance help line at 610-491-5002.

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