Feds loan $638M for health co-ops in 8 states

 HELENA, Mont. (AP) -- The Obama administration is awarding loans totaling
more than $638 million to start up new health care cooperatives serving eight states.
   The government says the new nonprofit health insurers will be run by their cu
stomers and will be designed to offer coverage to individuals and small businesses.
   Awards were announced Tuesday for co-ops serving Montana, Iowa, Nebraska, New
 Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Wisconsin.
   They are envisioned as a way to offer affordable coverage when President
Barack Obama's health care reform law requires everyone to carry insurance.
   Starting in 2014, millions of people now uninsured will buy private coverage
in new state markets. The co-ops will compete in these state-run insurance
exchanges.
   Tax-credit subsidies will help customers with the cost of the insurance.
   AP-WF-02-21-12 2001GMT