Kansas officials say more state, municipal and school district workers will qualify for health coverage starting next year because of the federal health care law.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports more than 2,000 employees will become eligible for full-time health benefits starting Jan. 1. The director of the Kansas State Employee Health Plan says the expansion is the result of the federal Affordable Care Act. The law requires large employers to provide health benefits to full-time employees.

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

Under the federal law, anyone who works at least 30 hours a week is a full-time employee.