House set to vote on Minn. health exchange

Legislation to create a new online marketplace for health insurance is scheduled for a vote by the full Minnesota House on Monday.

The so-called Minnesota insurance exchange would provide an online gateway for at least a million Minnesotans to comparison shop and enroll in health plans starting in October.

Bills to create the Minnesota exchange have been moving swiftly through the DFL-controlled Legislature. But the House debate could be lengthy with at least 50 amendments requested.

Right now the House and Senate bills differ largely on funding. The Senate bill would use an existing tobacco tax; the House bill would withhold a fraction of the premium dollars for plans sold on the exchange.

Lawmakers need to have the legislation on the governor's desk no later than March 31. Otherwise, the state would have to accept an exchange operated at least in part by the federal government.

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