The company that won a $24 million contract to operate the Rhode Island health benefits exchange's customer service center is an affiliate of a company that is selling plans on the exchange, but state officials say there are built-in protections to prevent conflicts of interests.

Health insurers in Rhode Island are seeking double-digit increases in the premiums that individuals and small businesses will pay for coverage next year.

The director of the new state health insurance exchange being created as part of the federal health overhaul says that it is on track to begin enrolling Rhode Islanders this fall and that it should offer patients a larger role, additional choice and more affordability in their health care.

A judge hearing a challenge by public-sector unions and retirees to Rhode Island's landmark pension system overhaul on Tuesday ordered the parties into federal mediation a little over a week after the state asked her to dismiss the lawsuit.