At least 14 states opting for state-run insurance exchanges

HHS has received letters from at least 14 states and Washington, D.C. stating that they will create and run their own health insurance exchanges under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The states include California; Colorado; Connecticut; Hawaii; Kentucky; Maryland; Massachusetts; Minnesota; Mississippi; New York; Oregon; Rhode Island; Vermont; and Washington. HSS has also received letters from at least two states -- Delaware and Illinois -- indicating that they plan to run exchanges in partnership with the federal government.

Last week, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius extended until Dec. 14 the deadline by which states have to notify the agency if they plan to run their own exchange. A blueprint of how the state exchange will meet legal and operational requirements is also due Dec. 14. ...