Representatives from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Department of Insurance and Kentucky Voices for Health are holding public forums across the state in August, to discuss the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange.

One of these forums will be held August 16, from 1:00-3:30 pm in Room 109 of West Kentucky Community and Technical College's Emerging Technology Center, 510 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah.

Gov. Steve Beshear issued an executive order in July to create the exchange, following up on his promise to do so once the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the federal health care overhaul.

The exchange will allow people to comparison shop online for insurance. Beshear's office said Tuesday the exchange will begin operation Jan. 1, 2014.

Another event will be held in Owensboro on August 17.