Idaho Health Insurance Exchange executive director Amy Dowd announced Wednesday that the Idaho Exchange has received the $20.3 million dollar grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support the establishment of Idaho's own state-based health insurance Exchange.

"We have a short amount of time to create a credible resource for Idahoans to compare health insurance products during open enrollment," said Dowd. "We have made tremendous progress in meeting all of the required deadlines and this funding helps to ensure Idaho's own health insurance marketplace is operational on time."

The Idaho Health Insurance Exchange was established through legislation signed into law in 2013 to provide an online marketplace where Idaho families and small businesses can go to compare and purchase health insurance. The exchange is governed by a 19-member board authorized by the Idaho Legislature to set the rules and regulations for implementing a state-based health insurance exchange.

Stephen Weeg of Pocatello, a retired executive director of Health West, serves as chairman of the board. The board must establish an exchange by Jan. 1, 2014, as required by federal law. It is empowered by state law to develop an operating plan and contract for required services.

Info: www.healthexchange.idaho.gov