Ark. House Endorses Expansion of ARKids First

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The Arkansas House has approved expanding the ARKids First health-insurance program to cover about 8,000 more children in the state.

The House voted 82-14 on Monday in favor of the expansion. Democratic Rep. Robert Moore of Arkansas City proposed the measure, which is part of Gov. Mike Beebe's health-care package this session.

Currently, families making 200 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for the insurance. Moore's bill would increase that to 250 percent of the federal poverty level. The poverty level is $22,500 for a family of four.

The measure would be paid for by the recently enacted increase in the tobacco tax, along with federal funds. The bill now goes to the Senate.