2-22-12, LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The road to Nebraska creating its own health insurance exchange is likely to be a long one.
    
Lawmakers on Tuesday began discussion on two bills that would form the Nebraska Health Benefit Exchange Act. It's a plan that would be an alternative to the federal health insurance plan now being scrutinized by the U.S. Supreme Court.
    
The bills were introduced to meet the requirements of the federal Affordable Care Act, which calls for states to have an operating exchange by 2014.
    
If a state doesn't have a plan in place, the federal Health and Human Services Department has the authority to create and operate a health benefit exchange.
    
Supporters say Nebraska needs to act now to avoid federal control. Opponents say the state should wait for the Supreme Court decision.