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More State Employees To Become Eligible For Health Benefits

More than 2,000 employees will become eligible for full-time health benefits starting Jan. 1st.

Director Mike Michael of the Kansas State Employee Health Plan says the expansion is the result of the federal Affordable Care Act, which requires large employers to provide the benefits to employees who work at least 30 hours a week.

The state health plan previously required people to work at least 36 hours a week to be eligible for full-time benefits.

The federal law also requires colleges to offer health coverage to student employees and adjunct professors who work at least 30 hours a week.

Officials say the increase will cost state taxpayers about $5.3 million a year.

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