Minn. House To Take Up Health Exchange Proposal

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota lawmakers are getting ready to vote on the bill that will create the state's version of a health insurance exchange, a way for uninsured people to obtain health coverage that's a centerpiece of the Obama administration's health care overhaul.

The Minnesota House is scheduled to vote on the bill Monday. That follows weeks of hearings and hours of testimony in a total of nine House committees as lawmakers assembled the complex legislation.

The goal is a website where consumers can choose from insurance plans. Enrollment is supposed to start Oct. 1.

The Senate is scheduled to vote Thursday on its health exchange bill. The bills differ, including in how operating costs for the exchange are covered, with senators tapping state cigarette taxes while House members favor setting aside a portion of premiums.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)