U.S. Department of Labor Announces $1.25 Million to North Carolina to Help Trade-Affected Workers Pay for Health...( WASHINGTON Jan. 24 -- The U.S. D...),Health

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,250,000 National Emergency Grant to the state of North Carolina to help provide assistance in paying health insurance premiums to approximately 1,800 dislocated workers who are eligible for the Health Coverage Tax Credit. The assistance is available through the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Reform Act of 2002.

"This $1.25 million grant will help provide health care coverage for these workers as they transition to new careers," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

The TAA Reform Act of 2002 established mechanisms by which trade-certified individuals and members of other eligible groups can receive assistance to partially cover the costs of qualified health insurance coverage. The primary mechanism is a federal tax credit administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Payments made through this grant will cover up to 65 percent of the cost of health insurance premiums during the one to three months required for the IRS to enroll, process and begin providing payments for eligible individuals.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information on National Emergency Grants, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG.

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its l
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