"So far only Vermont, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C., have tried to merge the individual and small-business markets, combining their risk pools. The concern here is that such mergers could raise premiums for small businesses, since the risk pool in the individual market will be somewhat unpredictable for the next few years. However, merging the two markets entirely once the individual market has stabilized could have the advantage of broadening the risk pool for both individuals and small business and lowering premiums, particularly in smaller states."

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