LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The rates that insurers will charge in the Arkansas marketplace set up under the federal health care law will be as much as 25 percent less than what the companies originally proposed, the state Insurance Department said Monday as it unveiled the plans.

The Arkansas Insurance Department announced premium rates for the 71 qualified health insurance plans offered by four companies that will be sold on the exchange, an online health market where consumers can get private health insurance, subsidized by the government. Open enrollment for the exchange begins Oct. 1, and the rates and coverage will take effect Jan. 1. State officials say they expect about 500,000 people to purchase insurance on the exchange.

"I would say this is a good start," Insurance Commissioner Jay Bradford said.