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Arkansas Panel: Expand Definition Of Small Businesses

A legislative panel is asking Arkansas' insurance commissioner to expand the definition of small businesses so more companies can purchase coverage for their employees through a marketplace.

The Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace Legislative Oversight Committee on Thursday voted to ask Insurance Commissioner Allen Kerr to change the definition to businesses with 100 or fewer employees. The state defines a small business as having between 2 and 50 employees.

The move would allow more businesses to participate in the Small Business Health Options Program through the federal health law. President Barack Obama this month signed a law keeping the small business definition at 50 workers but allowing states increase the number if they choose. Kerr has said he'll follow the definition set under state law, which is 50 employees or less.

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