NEW YORK (AP) — More small businesses than expected are signing up for health insurance on state exchanges that opened this month.

The exchanges, which began operating Oct. 1 under the new health care law, are designed to offer low-cost insurance for individuals and small businesses. Many business owners have been pleasantly surprised by the rates and coverage, according to accounts from owners and exchange officials. But some owners are disappointed and plan to buy insurance privately.

A spot check of exchanges across the U.S. shows the number of companies that have opened accounts on any state exchange so far tends to be in the hundreds. Officials note it's still early in the process given that policies sold on the exchanges won't take effect until Jan. 1.

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