state + local

March 31: Deadline for legislators to pass a bill establishing a state health exchange and figuring out such key details as what kind of ruling body will oversee it.

May 17: Health plans submit their plan designs and premium rates for review to the Department of Commerce.

Summer: Marketing efforts begin, including traditional and nontraditional venues, including social media, webinars, July 4th parades and the Minnesota State Fair.

July to late fall: System will get tested to ensure proper connection to federal hub.

Oct. 1: Minnesotans select and sign up for plans, as open enrollment begins.

Jan. 1, 2014: Health coverage from exchange-purchased plans begins, including premium support and tax credits from the federal government.

Jan. 1, 2016: Exchange must be self-supporting.