The Times Union is reporting nearly 46,000 New Yorkers have signed up for health insurance at NY State of Health, during the first month of open enrollment for 2018, an increase of roughly 13 percent over the same time last year. Nearly 14,500 people have enrolled in a private health plan via the portal, and 31,350 signed up for the Essential Plan, which offers premiums of no more than $20 a month for those who earn just enough to make them ineligible for Medicaid. The increase in enrollment is consistent with a similar trend nationwide. Enrollment on NY State of Health will continue through Jan. 31. Read the full story in the Times Union.