PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The U.S. Department of Labor is releasing $880,000 to provide partial premium payments for health insurance coverage for 800 workers.

The stimulus money will be used for “gap filler” payments for unemployed workers who are receiving Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits and are eligible for the Health Coverage Tax Credit program. Under the latter program, workers can receive up to 80 percent of premium costs under qualified health insurance programs.

National Emergency Grants are part of the labor secretary’s discretionary fund.

Sen. Olympia Snowe says the money will help workers “get back on their feet and into the work force.”

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