New analysis from the Employee Benefit Research Institute shows the $5 billion allocated for a temporary reinsurance program for early retiree health benefits will likely run out two years before the program's 2014 end date.

Under the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program, beginning June 1, companies can receive an 80 percent reimbursement on claims incurred by early retirees and dependents between $15,000 and $90,000 over the course of a year. Eligible claims include medical, prescription drug and behavioral health. The ERRP will last until Jan. 1, 2014, or until the $5 billion set aside for the program is exhausted.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the program – included within The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – is supposed to help bridge the gap to 2014, when Americans will be able to choose from additional coverage options through the health insurance exchanges.