The Department of Health and Human Services says it is now accepting applications from southeast Iowa employers, including state and local governments and unions, for a new program that provides employees 55 and older with access to affordable health insurance. The Early Retiree Reinsurance Program was created by the affordable health care act to act as a bridge until the new health insurance Exchanges begins in 2014, and assists workers who have retired but are not yet retirement age. Reimbursements will be available for 80% of medical claims costs between $15,000 and $90,000, with claims dating back to June 1st of 2010. For more information, visit hhs.gov.