Bill putting Arkansas-run exchange on hold advances to House

LITTLE ROCK — A House panel has endorsed legislation putting Arkansas' plans to set up its own insurance exchange on hold while the nation's highest court considers a challenge to the federal health care law.

A lawmaker has withdrawn a competing measure banning a state-run exchange altogether.

The House Insurance and Commerce Committee on Friday supported the Senate-passed proposal to block Arkansas from setting up its exchange while the U.S. Supreme Court considers a lawsuit centering on the federal subsidies granted by the health care overhaul. The bill now heads to the House for a vote.

Republican Rep. Mary Bentley of Perryville withdrew a competing proposal that would have prohibited the state from setting up its own exchange, saying there weren't enough votes to get that measure out of committee.

Read Saturday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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