Photo Courtesy of Healthcare.gov

The 2015 Healthcare.gov website.

Health officials say more than 155,000 Arizonans have signed up to buy health insurance through the federal marketplace.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services says thousands paid for individual policies or were automatically re-enrolled as of last weekend.

The department said earlier this year that more than 200,000 residents enrolled last year. But the closure of Meritus Health Partners on January 1st means nearly 60-thousand people had to change health insurance companies.

The decision to close the state’s nonprofit co-op came after the Department of Insurance suspended its right to sell new policies or renew current ones.

More than 8.2 million U.S. consumers have signed up for health coverage or had plans automatically renewed.

More on closure of Meritus Health Partners

• Arizona Health Insurance Co-Op To Close Shop Dec. 31
• Failed Arizona Co-op Says More Than Half Chose New Plans