NJ Faces Decision on Health Insurance Exchange

Gov. Chris Christie is refusing to tip his hand on whether New Jersey will set up a federally mandated health insurance exchange or let the federal government handle it for the state.

Under the federal health insurance overhaul adopted in 2010, states have until Friday to tell Washington if they will set up their own exchanges.

The exchanges are intended to provide a way for families and individuals to buy subsidized private insurance plans.

Earlier this year, Christie vetoed a plan to set up an exchange. He later said he wanted to see if President Barack Obama would be re-elected before deciding the issue.

Last week, a spokesman for the Republican governor said the decision would be announced "in due course."

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.