Rocky Start for Federal Insurance Exchange in Wyoming

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Things got off to a rocky start on Tuesday for the federal government's new health insurance exchange in Wyoming.

The site is intended to allow citizens a place to shop for insurance and apply for tax credits to help cover the cost.

Wyoming Insurance Commissioner Tom Hirsig was among many people who tried unsuccessfully on Tuesday to get onto the federal government's Internet site. Representatives from the two companies offering insurance in Wyoming also said they were unable to get on.

Wyoming is among 36 states in which the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services plans to operate health insurance exchanges under the federal Affordable Care Act.

Attempts to reach federal officials Tuesday were not successful. Many federal workers have been furloughed because of the budget showdown in Congress.