‘Hundreds’ In Illinois Sign Up For Insurance

llinois officials say only hundreds of state residents were able to sign up for health coverage last month through the new marketplace that's part of President Barack Obama's health care law.

Crain's Chicago Business reports the estimate comes from Jennifer Koehler, director of the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace. Koehler said Friday that insurance carriers have said "hundreds'' of Illinois consumers have enrolled.

Illinois Deputy Gov. Cristal Thomas says the number is a guess for now. Federal officials haven't released enrollment figures.

The HealthCare.gov website has had severe technical problems since launching Oct. 1. Federal officials have said it will be working for most people by the end of November.

State officials briefed reporters at a symposium in Chicago held by the Society of Business Editors and Writers.