DENVER - The Colorado health insurance exchange has a new name and website - Connect for Health Colorado and www.connectforhealthco.org.

The website is designed to help people understand how the new exchange will work, how it affects different populations and to answer questions about health insurance and the operation of the exchange.

The exchange is expected to launch Oct. 1 when Coloradans can begin using the exchange to shop for health insurance; the insurance will take effect Jan. 1, 2014.

Individuals and small businesses (50 or fewer employees) will be able to purchase private health insurance in either the individual market exchange or the Small Business Health Option Program, or SHOP, exchange.

The SHOP exchange will offer a variety of plans for small-business employees. The federal exchange that some states will use will not offer that option in their first year of operation.

The website offers sections that provide a glossary of terms, frequently asked questions and information for small businesses. The site includes videos on how the exchange works, calculators for people and small businesses to determine if they qualify for a subsidy, public health insurance program or a tax credit, and the amounts.

The exchange is part of the Affordable Care Act. Colorado's exchange was created under Senate Bill 11-200, which was passed in 2011.