Montana Health Insurance Exchange Launches

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montanans are now able to shop for health insurance under the state's new insurance exchange.

The online insurance marketplace launched Tuesday. Under the federal law, people who cannot afford to buy insurance will receive subsidies and those previously rejected because of pre-existing conditions will be able to enroll.

Three insurers are offering plans under the Montana exchange: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, PacificSource and the Montana Health Co-op.

State and insurance officials say there may be early glitches in the new system. On Tuesday morning, applications through www.healthcare.gov were delayed, with a message saying "We have a lot of visitors on our site right now and we're working to make your experience here better."

Officials say there is no rush, because coverage doesn't begin until January.