AUGUSTA — Nearly 62,000 Mainers have selected insurance plans on the health care exchange.

Federal officials said this week that 61,964 residents have enrolled as of Jan. 16.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that 35 percent of those people enrolled for coverage on the exchange for the first time. Sixty-five percent were reenrolling after buying coverage during the first open enrollment session.

The enrollment period extends through Feb. 15.

Officials say that nearly 90 percent of those who signed up chose a plan with financial assistance, or tax credits that will lower their monthly premium.

More than 44,000 Mainers signed up for coverage during last year’s open enrollment period.