2-13-14 health overhaul-wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The federal government says more than 56,000 Wisconsin residents have selected a health care plan through the online federal exchanges.  The figures released Wednesday reflect signups from Oct. 1 through Feb. 1. The 56,436 signups are a 38 percent increase over the nearly 41,000 people who signed up through Dec. 28.  According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 89 percent of Wisconsin residents who selected plans were receiving federal help in paying premiums.  About 56 percent of those who've signed up are female, compared to 44 percent male.

The most popular coverage option in the state continued to be the silver plan, which covers about 70 percent of expected medical costs. Seventy percent of Wisconsin residents chose silver plans.  The open enrollment period ends March 31.