From the very beginning, Ohio's Republican leaders have made it clear that they do not want the federal government calling the shots on health reform. As Governor John Kasich said last week:
"They wanted to do a state exchange but they weren't going to pay for it. So we decided to let the feds carry out their mission. The ball's in their court," Kasich said.
The federal government is supporting or fully running the insurance marketplaces in 36 states, including Ohio. Officials have assured the public that the exchanges will open Oct. 1 - regardless of a possible government shutdown.
Consumers who can't get insurance through their workplace can call a toll-free number or go to an online portal to buy it themselves. They can choose between a bronze, silver, gold and platinum plan. Subsidies are granted based on income, and are calculated when the consumer signs up.
According to a federal report released last week, consumers in the Cleveland region will be able to pick from 45 different plans. The lowest cost plan for a 27 year old with an income of $25,000 will be $93 a month after the tax credits.