AARP is urging Ohio lawmakers to create a health insurance exchange to expand choices and contain costs for consumers and small businesses.

Under the health care law, if a state does not create an exchange, the federal government will administer one on its behalf. The purpose is to encourage health insurance providers to compete and offer high-quality plans at the best price, while ensuring a basic level of coverage.

The voters' 2-1 rejection of the health insurance mandate last month means supporters "need to be more vigilant" against insurance industry opposition, said Ron Bridges, AARP state advocacy director. "A competitive health care marketplace in Ohio will give consumers more choices, better quality and greater control." For more information, go to aarp.org/oh. … Back to Article