HHS report: Early retiree insurance program reaches 5,000 employers

So far, the payout has disbursed an estimated $535 million to help younger retirees pay for health care.

CQ HealthBeat: Early Retiree Insurance Subsidies Reach 5,000 Employers
More than 5,000 employers have kept 61,000 retirees on their health insurance plans as a result of the subsidies they've gotten from the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program, created by the health law as a bridge to 2014 when the health exchanges will give them easier and more affordable access to insurance. Health and Human Services (HHS) officials released a report Wednesday detailing the results of the program. As of the end of 2010, the federal government had distributed $535 million to companies, state and local governments, educational institutions, unions and nonprofit organizations (3/2).

National Journal: Early Retiree Program Pays Out $535 Million, HHS Says
More than 5,000 employers such as local governments, schools, and nonprofit groups have taken $535 million in federal money to help younger retirees pay for health care, the Health and Human Services Department reported today. HHS released a report that says the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program, created as part of the health care reform law, has paid out funds affecting more than 60,000 people as of the end of December (Fox, 3/2).