Three more states are moving forward to implement the health care law and build health insurance marketplaces, or exchanges.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the first conditional approval of a State Partnership Exchange in Delaware and Minnesota and Rhode Island are conditionally approved today to operate a state-based exchange.

Today's conditional approvals follow those issued last week to Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, Oregon, and Washington to operate state-based exchanges.

"States across the country are working to implement the health care law and build a marketplace that works for their residents," said Sebelius. "In 10 months, consumers in all 50 states will have access to a new marketplace where they will be able to easily purchase quality health insurance plans."

Because of the Affordable Care Act, consumers and small businesses in every state will have access to a new marketplace starting in 2014 where they can access quality, affordable private health insurance. These are similar to those choices that will be offered to members of Congress.

Consumers in every state will be able to buy insurance from qualified health plans directly through these marketplaces and may be eligible for tax credits to help pay for their health insurance.

For more information on Exchanges, go to www.healthcare.gov/exchanges