Applications for Early Reinsurance Program (ERRP)

Now Being Accepted

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (OCIIO) recently announced that it will begin accepting applications for the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (ERRP). Created by the Affordable Care Act as a bridge to the new health insurance marketplace established by the Exchanges in 2014, this $5 billion program will provide much needed financial assistance for employers, including businesses, unions, state and local governments, and nonprofits, so retirees can get quality, affordable insurance.

Many Americans who retire without employer-sponsored insurance and before they are eligible for Medicare are denied coverage or see their life savings disappear because of exorbitant rates in the individual market. Until Americans have access to affordable insurance plans through health insurance Exchanges in 2014, this program will make it easier for retirees and their families to maintain their employer-based coverage. 

The Early Retiree Reinsurance Program will reimburse employers for medical claims for retirees age 55 and older who are not eligible for Medicare, and their spouses, surviving spouses, and dependents. Employers, including state and local governments and unions, who provide health coverage for early retirees are eligible to apply.

Follow the helpful links provided below to learn more about the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program and Health Care Reform. To obtain an application for the ERRP program, as well as fact sheets and application assistance, visit: www.hhs.gov/ociio.

Helpful Links:

Fact Sheet: http://healthreform.gov/newsroom/early_retiree_reinsurance_program.html

White House Blog: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/06/29/help-now-available-employers-offering-early-retiree-health-insurance

Program Application: http://www.hhs.gov/ociio/Documents/application.pdf

Application Instructions: http://www.hhs.gov/ociio/Documents/application_instructions.pdf

Application Submission Dos and Don’ts: http://www.hhs.gov/ociio/Documents/errp_dos_donts.pdf

More information from OCIIO: http://www.hhs.gov/ociio/regulations/index.html#early_retiree

PDF of Patient Protections and Insurance Reforms: http://www.healthcare.gov/center/brochures/patient_protections.pdf

PDF of the Pre-Existing Condition Plan Poster: http://www.healthcare.gov/center/brochures/8.5x11_poster_hirisk_b.pdf

PDF of  The Affordable Care Act – What It Means for Those with Pre-Existing Conditions can be found at: http://www.healthcare.gov/center/brochures/pcip.pdf