Advisory group wants strong community presence in health exchange oversight

An advisory task force is pushing for strong consumer and small business representation in the oversight of Minnesota's health insurance exchange.

The panel helping shape an online marketplace for health insurance rejected the idea of a small, agile board. Instead, they preferred a group of 15 to 20 people to allow broader geographic and cultural diversity. The advisory group also wants a majority of board members to have experience in the health care sector.

The recommendations are not binding as the state develops an exchange, said Mike Rothman, the advisory task force's chairman and commerce commissioner for Minnesota.

"These are guidelines that should be thought of and should be incorporated in how that model is built," Rothman said.

The insurance exchange is a key part of the federal health care overhaul that will allow consumers and small businesses to comparison shop and buy health plans.