MN health exchange chief cautiously optimistic on new DFL majority

The Dayton administration official overseeing the development of Minnesota's health insurance exchange expects plenty of disagreements to come, regardless of the change in power at the Capitol.

Before Tuesday's election, Minnesota's Republican-controlled Legislature refused to take part in creating the exchange.

But State Budget Commissioner Jim Schowalter said even though Democrats now control the Capitol, the project remains massive and complex.

"I don't underestimate the challenge that something as big as this we're going to have lots of views regardless of who's in control," Schowalter said. "I'm looking forward to working with the new majorities, no doubt about it. I think it's going to be a much better and more constructive conversation on some of these topics but there's still going to be plenty of dispute."

The state-based exchanges are a key part of the federal health care law. They're aimed at simplifying the process of researching and buying a health plan.

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