HHS: Early retiree claim forms for new temporary program to help businesses will be ready in June

Business Insurance: The Department of Health and Human Services says that reimbursement forms to have the federal government help pay employers for early retiree health care claims will be available in June.

The program, which was authorized by the new health reform law, will pay $5 billion to reimburse employers who are covering health care insurance costs for early retirees aged 55-64. The federal government will cover 80 percent of each claim that is between $15,000 and $90,000. "However, employers that receive government payments will be required to use the proceeds to lower early retirees' health care costs, such as by reducing premium contributions, copayments or deductibles." The funding will begin June 23 and run through 2013 unless exhausted first (Geisel, 4/13).