More Challenges Facing Idaho Health Exchange

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Problems facing Idaho's insurance exchange were underscored last week when leaders of the Internet health care marketplace predicted the state now must enroll 5,000 people per month for coverage through March to meet 2014 goals following a glitch-plagued start.

So far, board members say, fewer than 100 people have managed to get coverage via the exchange, a central part of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. Some of Idaho's problems are homegrown, such as last week's dustup over a no-bid $375,000 contract with a former exchange board member.

Others go deeper. For instance, Idaho residents still can't compare insurance policies sold via the exchange if they haven't completed their applications on the federal exchange website, a feature that's been made available in other states.