Your Health Idaho, the state’s online health insurance marketplace, is open for enrollment. This morning, they are reporting that due to high interest, things are going slower than expected on this first day that eligible citizens can sign up for insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

“This is a marathon, not a sprint,” said Amy Dowd, Your Health Idaho’s executive director, in a press release. “Open enrollment started today and continues until March 31, 2014 - as long as you complete your application by December 15, 2013, coverage will be effective on January 1, 2014.”

While the online application may be running slower than expected, Idahoans are encouraged to contact Your Health Idaho Consumer Connectors, including agents, brokers and In-Person Assisters to help navigate this process.

Consumer Connectors can be found by using the Your Health Idaho Consumer Connector locator at http://www.yourhealthidaho.org/consumer-assistance-locator/. The Consumer Resource Center is open and representatives are available to take calls and questions at 855-YH-Idaho (855-944-3246) or customerservice@yourhealthidaho.org.

Your Health Idaho is funded by federal grants that are not affected by the recent federal government shutdown. All functions of Your Health Idaho will remain operational regardless of federal government status. As promised by the Idaho legislature, no state funds are used for the implementation and operations of Your Health Idaho.

“Your Health Idaho appreciates the patience of all Idahoans as we work through the volume of inquires coming in,” Dowd said.

About Your Health Idaho

Your Health Idaho was established by State law in 2013 to provide an online marketplace where Idaho families and small businesses can go to compare and purchase health insurance. Your Health Idaho is governed by a 19-member Board authorized by the Idaho Legislature to set the rules and regulations for implementing a State-based health insurance exchange.