Feds release health overhaul blueprint for states

RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR Associated Press Published:

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration is releasing a blueprint for states to sign up millions of uninsured Americans for medical coverage through the president's health care law.

The long-awaited regulation issued Monday stresses state and federal flexibility in the face of a huge logistical challenge.

Starting Jan. 1, 2014, millions will be able to buy health insurance through new state-based markets called exchanges.

But states are moving in fits and starts to set up the exchanges. Many are waiting for the Supreme Court to decide whether the law is constitutional.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says she expects the law to be upheld, and that states will move quickly once that happens.

More than 30 million uninsured people are eventually expected to receive coverage.