Health coverage offered to some uninsured

HELENA - A handful of the estimated 165,000 Montanans without health insurance will be offered bargain-priced coverage through a new program a Helena company is offering.

The New West Health Plan, developed by New West Health Services, is a pilot project the 2003 Legislature authorized. The intent is to measure interest in a basic insurance plan for those unable to afford broader coverage or whose employers don't provide health benefits.

Patrick Aberle, chief executive officer for New West, said Tuesday the program will be offered initially only to 1,000 people and will be limited to Billings...