Feds approve NH's health exchange partnership

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- New Hampshire is getting the green light to partner with the federal government to operate the health insurance markets required under the Obama administration's health overhaul law.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Thursday announced that New Hampshire is conditionally approved to operate a state partnership marketplace, which will be ready for open enrollment in October 2013.

The federal law requires the creation of marketplaces or exchanges that will offer individuals and their families a choice of private health plans resembling what workers at major companies get. The New Hampshire Legislature passed a law last session prohibiting a state-run exchange, and Gov. Maggie Hassan decided last month to pursue a partnership rather than let the federal governmental operate the exchange.