BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho residents will have an extra five days to choose a plan from the state's health insurance exchange.

 

Officials with Your Health Idaho announced late last week that the deadline was extended to Dec. 20.

The enrollment period was originally set to end Monday; exchange officials did not immediately say why the extension was needed.

Idaho is the only Republican-dominated state to launch its own health insurance exchange this year. Last year the state relied on the federal government's exchange website.

The exchange is part of the Affordable Care Act. State officials have promised a smoother insurance shopping experience this year, compared to technical glitches that delayed enrollment in 2013.

Nearly 76,000 people in Idaho signed up last year for coverage.

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