LITTLE ROCK, AR -- Governor Mike Beebe will make visits throughout Arkansas this summer to promote ARHealthNet, an Arkansas program that provides health-care insurance to small-business employees who aren’t covered by private or state plans. Small businesses with at least two full-time employees may qualify for ARHealthNet if they, have not offered insurance coverage for at least 12 months; agree to cover all eligible uninsured employees; and have at least one enrolled employee who meets income qualifications.



"While we work to find new ways to make health care more accessible to all Arkansans, we must also take advantage of the tools already in place," Beebe stated. "ARHealthNet allows Arkansas small businesses to offer basic, affordable health benefits to their employees. This helps businesses remain economically viable while making their employees healthier and happier."



The average cost of ARHealthNet is about $25 per month per member, the program does not exclude any pre-existing conditions from being covered and there is no waiting period for initial enrollment.



ARHealthNet began operating in December of 2006 and has been providing benefits since January of this year. So far, 177 Arkansas businesses have signed up for the program.

For information, call 1-800-540-7566, or go online to http://www.arhealthnet.com.