Alabama consumers will see more competition and perhaps lower prices when the health insurance marketplace opens in mid-November for its second year. United Healthcare has signed up to offer individual polices in all 67 counties. UHC did not participate the first year. Blue Cross Blue Shield will be back in all counties. The marketplace will be open from November 15th to February 15th. In Alabama, close to 100,000 people signed up for private health plans during enrollment for this year.
Moore Trial
The first trial linked to a special grand jury investigation in Lee County is set to begin today. Republican legislator Barry Moore of Enterprise goes on trial in Opelika on charges of perjury and making false statements to law enforcement. House Speaker Mike Hubbard of Auburn also has been indicted by the grand jury, but no trial date has been set for the Republican lawmaker.
Montgomery Shooting
An early morning shooting in Montgomery is under investigation. Only a few details are available this morning. Montgomery Police say a person was shot in the 3200 block of McElvey Street. Officers responded to the shooting around 4 0'clock this morning.
New Plan
State officials have a new plan they say will improve and coordinate services for Alabama veterans and their families. The goals of a state commission appointed by Governor Bentley include reducing unemployment and homelessness among veterans; improve access to health care and help veterans with legal problems. A main goal is to help Alabama residents who have served during the more than 10 years of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and who have physical or psychological problems as a result.