ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesotans will be able to buy health insurance online through a state-based marketplace called MNsure, starting in 2014.

Gov. Mark Dayton signed a bill Wednesday creating that health insurance exchange. Dayton says it’s a major step in making health care better and more affordable.

It’s a key part of implementing President Barack Obama’s federal health care law. About 1.3 million Minnesotans are expected to get coverage through MNsure, including 300,000 who currently don’t have health insurance.

House lawmakers passed the legislation last week, with all but one Democrat supporting it and Republicans opposed. The Senate passed the bill Monday on a straight party-line vote.

The marketplace will be run by a seven-member board, including Health and Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson. Dayton has until April 30 to appoint the others.

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