New Mexico's newly launched online marketplace for buying medical coverage drew early interest from employers and officials say there was a heavy demand for assistance from a state-run call center.
Health insurance exchange board chairman Dr. J. R. Damron said Tuesday more than two dozen employers signed up for accounts in the first half hour of operation of the state's online shopping center.
He said there were waits for people seeking help from the state's call center, but the delays weren't as long as that experienced with a federal telephone assistance hotline.
Small businesses can sign up for health insurance coverage through the state-run exchange (http://www.bewellnm.com/ ).
Individuals can use the New Mexico exchange to link to a federal government website that will handle their enrollment.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.