BOISE, Idaho, July 26 -- The Idaho Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Idaho Department of Insurance Director Bill Deal has announced the first meeting of the Health Insurance Exchange Working Group. The group will meet Thursday, August 2, from 10:00-3:00 in the west conference room of the Joe R. Williams Building, 700 West State Street.

Governor Otter has appointed twelve individuals from the public and private sectors and has tasked them with evaluating the potential impacts on Idaho if the state creates a health insurance exchange acceptable to the federal government or participation in a federally created exchange.

Working group meetings are open to the public. Those who are unable to attend in person may contact Teresa Jones at the Department of Insurance for information about teleconferencing at 208-334-4217 or via email at Teresa.jones@doi.idaho.gov.

TNS MkTanz120728-JF78-3969873 StaffFurigay