State opens insurance exchange phone line

Individuals without health insurance and small businesses can now call a toll-free number for information about the state's soon-to-open health benefit exchange.

The exchange, a marketplace for health insurance plans, is set to open for enrollment on Oct. 1. It is available to uninsured individuals and business owners with fewer than 50 employees as part of the federal Affordable Care Act.

Starting Monday, the exchange, called NY State of Health, has trained representatives available to answer questions Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The toll free number is: 1-855-355-5777.

Starting Oct. 1, the hours will expand to Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The state projects it will enroll 1.1 million New Yorkers, including 150,000 on Long Island. Insurance coverage will start on Jan. 1.

For more information, go to nystateofhealth.ny.gov.