Idaho will Form Own Insurance Exchange, for Now

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has decided that a health insurance exchange designed and built by the state is the best option for Idaho under the federal government's health care overhaul. Otter announced his decision Tuesday, and he says a state-based exchange should be subject to approval by Idaho lawmakers.

Otter has been a steady critic of President Obama's health care overhaul and he's taken months to make a decision on how to deal with the insurance exchange, a key component of the controversial law. He says his options were limited to letting the federal government call the shots — or having the state take an active role in designing the online marketplace for insurance products for individuals and small businesses. Legislative leaders met with Otter last week to discuss options.