Q: What is the reinsurance program for early retirees that is available to employers?

Health reform protects Medicare. Medicare will be made more financially secure and seniors who hit the prescription drug "donut hole" will be protected from high costs for their medicines.

Q: What is the reinsurance program for early retirees that is available to employers?

A: The reinsurance program provides financial assistance to employers who provide health insurance coverage to retirees from age 55 to 65 and would not otherwise be eligible for Medicare.

The program reimburses insurance plans for 80 percent of retiree claims between $15,000 and $90,000. Payments received by the plans must be used to lower the costs for enrollees – retirees as well as active workers – in the employer plan. The program begins in 2010 and is effective until January 1, 2014.