Designed to address the decline in the number of employers providing health coverage to early retirees, the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program reimburses participating employment-based plans for a portion of health benefit costs for early retirees and their spouses, surviving spouses, and dependents. An early retiree is a non-active employee who is at least 55 years old and not yet eligible for Medicare. The program covers self-funded and insured plans, including plans sponsored by private employers, governmental employers, unions, and other employers.