Ohio might seek more time to implement health-care reform

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio officials are evaluating a move by the federal government to give them more time to work on plans for a key component of President Barack Obama's health-care law.

The administration sent in a letter to governors Friday saying it still wants to hear by the end of next week if states will be setting up new health insurance markets under the law. States that can't or won't set up these new insurance exchanges will have theirs run by Washington.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said states can now take another month, until mid-December, to submit detailed blueprints. States considering a partnership with the federal government have until mid-February.

An Ohio Department of Insurance spokesman said officials received the letter and were weighing its impact.