A newly formed "Keep It In Idaho" coalition has formed around the question of whether Idaho should create its own health insurance exchange or allow Idahoans to use a federal one.

The coalition of more than 45 small and large Idaho businesses, industry groups and chambers of commerce supports an Idaho-run exchange.

An exchange as envisioned by the 2010 health care reform law is a marketplace for people to compare and buy health insurance plans and to find out whether they qualify for Medicaid or insurance premium subsidies.

If Idaho fails to build its own federally approved exchange by 2013, the state will default to one controlled by the federal government.

The coalition announced it is launching an "education campaign" and will push for a bill in the Idaho Legislature.

Visit www.keepitinidaho.com for more information.