print article Print     e-mail article E-mail
Published September 02, 2010, 08:55 AM

Doyle: Wisconsin firms to get aid for retiree benefits

Jim Doyle says more than 50 Wisconsin companies will receive funding under the national health care reform law to continue providing insurance to retirees.

By: The Associated Press, Superior Telegram

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle says more than 50 Wisconsin companies will receive funding under the national health care reform law to continue providing insurance to retirees.

Doyle says employers ranging from Foley and Lardner to Appleton Papers to Racine County have been accepted for the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program.

The program is a temporary, $5 billion fund that aims to help employers maintain health benefits for employees between ages 55 and 64 who have retired but do not yet qualify for Medicare. The number of firms offering such coverage has dropped significantly in recent years.

Doyle is urging other companies to apply for the fund, noting the money is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Tags: , , , ,