Minn. Gets $4.2M From Feds For Health Exchange

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota is getting $4.2 million to develop a health insurance exchange, a major feature of the federal health care overhaul.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the award on Friday as part of a round of grants to states.

State-based health exchanges are online marketplaces where consumers who don't get employer-sponsored health insurance will be able to compare and buy coverage, using income-based tax credits to help with premiums. They're due to open in 2014.

The new award comes after the state got a $1 million planning grant for its exchange in February.

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