NM heath insurance exchange opens

Tens of thousands of New Mexicans will find new opportunities to shop for health insurance through an online marketplace that's opening for business. 

New Mexico's health insurance exchange begins operating Tuesday and there also will be a toll-free hotline providing assistance. 

Small businesses — those with 50 or fewer workers — can sign up for health insurance coverage through the state-run exchange. Individuals can use the New Mexico exchange to link to a federal government website that will handle their enrollment until the state has its computer system ready to assume that responsibility. 

Enrollment also can be done by phone or in person at clinics and other sites across the state. 

About 80,000 New Mexicans are expected to enroll in insurance plans through the exchange in its first year.

NM heath insurance exchange opens