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Minn. Gets $1M Grant For Health Insurance Exchange

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota is getting a $1 million health care grant that former Gov. Tim Pawlenty spurned and new Gov. Mark Dayton sought.

The grant announced Friday by Dayton and the state Department of Commerce will pay to plan for a health insurance exchange required by the federal health care overhaul.

State officials say the exchange will be a web site where consumers can shop for health insurance, similar to travel web sites that sell flights and hotel bookings. Dayton's administration is expected to unveil more details in the near future.

The Democratic governor sought the money after reversing a Pawlenty directive that ordered state agencies to decline discretionary participation in the health care law. Pawlenty is a likely GOP presidential candidate who aimed to limit Minnesota's participation in that law.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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