PROVIDENCE, R.I. — U.S. Rep. David Cicilline and Rhode Island's new health insurance marketplace have announced a series of workshop intended to ensure that as many people as possible are aware of the health benefits available through the new national health care law.

Cicilline and HealthSource RI Director Christine Ferguson announced Saturday that their offices plan to hold a series of three informational workshops through the end of the year, targeting residents of Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District.

A Congressional report shows that 146,000 in the district now have health insurance that covers preventive services without co-pays, coinsurance or deductible under the law. Insurance companies no longer deny coverage for 27,000 children with pre-existing conditions and 4,600 youths can stay on their parents' health care plans.

HealthSource RI began processing applications for insurance after enrollment opened more than a week ago.