The new health care law makes provisions to help individuals purchase private health insurance. Section 1311 creates American Health Benefit Exchanges, which each state will be responsible for forming by January 2014.

The Senate passed a sweeping overhaul of the nation's health care system. "The bill... would establish new insurance exchanges and would subsidize the purchase of [private] health insurance through those exchanges for individuals and families with income between 133 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level," the Congressional Budget Office reports.

The House passed its health care reform bill, which would establish a national health insurance exchange where consumers could compare plans and find the most affordable option. It also offers subsidies to middle- and low-income individuals and families to help them purchase insurance.

In an address to a joint session of Congress, Obama said his plan would include a health insurance exchange where individuals, families and businesses could compare plans and find affordable options. Obama said that by having individuals work in a group, they could find affordable options in the same way big companies and congressmen do. He also renewed his promise to offer subsidies for low-income families and individuals to purchase insurance.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved America's Affordable Health Choices Act, which would set up a health care exchange including public as well as private options.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee approved the Affordable Health Choices Act, which would "establish a means for All Americans to have affordable choices in health benefit plans." The act lays out plans for an Affordable Health Benefit Gateway, which would help ensure affordable coverage.

The new White House Office of Health Reform will consult and work with private organizations and public-private partnerships on improving the health care system.