Vermont Third in Federal Exchange Money

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When it comes to federal money to help states set up health care exchanges under the Affordable Care Act, you might expect that California would rank first and New York second. But here's a surprise: Vermont ranks number 3.

An Associated Press analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows Vermont has been granted more than $158 million so far to help set up the new regulated health care marketplace that's scheduled to be up and running in October.

Vermont Health Benefit Exchange Deputy Commissioner Lindsey Tucker says the state has been aggressive about applying for available federal money.
    
Tucker says the exchange is the basis for Vermont’s universal health care system.