A federal program that helps employers and unions continue insurance coverage for some early retirees has accepted the applications of several entities in Virginia and West Virginia.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday that the organizations have been accepted into the Early Retirement Reinsurance Program.

Forty-five businesses, government agencies and other entities in Virginia will receive the help including the cities of Charlottesville, Newport News, Portsmouth, Staunton and Virginia Beach; Norfolk Southern; and the United Mine Workers of America.

In West Virginia, the nine entities include Severstal Wheeling Inc., Fenton Art Glass, and the Teamsters Local Numbers 175 and 505 Health and Welfare Fund.

The program reimburses employers and unions a portion of the costs of medical claims for early retirees age 55 and older who aren't yet eligible for Medicare. Reimbursements also are given for claims for spouses, surviving spouses and dependents.

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