From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

The government shut down. How long will it last?

Hello again, I'm Armin Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International,

a daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

In Washington, the political stalemate continues, while around the country, so-called non-essential

government services are out of business. We'll hear what the president and congressional leaders are

saying and look at the shutdown's initial impact. Despite Republican efforts, the Affordable Care Act

began enrollment today with health insurance exchanges opening up.

In the second half of our program, we'll hear how today is different from yesterday for the currently uninsured.

If millions decide to enroll, will there be enough doctors to serve a vast increase in the patients showing up for medical treatment?

First, here's the news.

Listen to KCRW's 24-hour all-news channel. Stream BBC World Service, NPRW programs,

continuous coverage and accessible via our smartphone app or online

at KCRW.com.

Support for To The Point comes from the members of KCRW and from the Public Radio International

Program Fund.

Hello again. Warren Alney, back with To the Point.

The government shutdown has had no effect on the first day of enrollment for the Affordable Care Act.

We'll hear about the available options for the currently uninsured while there be different from state to state and what early issues have already arisen.

First is news update.

After a week of failing to call congressional leaders,

President Obama did contact the four leaders of both parties in the Senate and Congress last night,

...