Around 7,500 people have been prevented from enrolling in health plans because of a flaw in Minnesota's public insurance exchange MNsure.

The Star Tribune reports that people who tried to enroll for health coverage in 2015 through a new account, rather than the account they created to obtain coverage in 2014, were affected by the problem with the MNsure website.

The newspaper says the glitch hits those who didn't qualify for a public health insurance program last year, but are eligible for it this year.

The Associated Press says the problem should take about 10 days to resolve, and those who should have had coverage starting on January 1 will either have retroactive benefits, or the cost of any medical bills they incur will be covered by the state.

The MNsure system, implemented in response to the federal Affordable Care Act designed to ensure all Americans have access to affordable health plans, was beset by problems and glitches following its launch in 2013. The glitches during the latest round of enrollment have been less frequent.

According to the MNsure website, more than 83,000 people have signed up for 2015 health plans since enrollment opened in November, with almost 30,000 qualifying for Medical Assistance, a health program aimed at Minnesotans with the lowest incomes.

Those wanting health coverage starting on February 1 need to sign up through MNsure by Thursday.