Here is a map showing what states have decided to do about setting up health care exchanges, as of today. Nineteen states will set up their own exchanges, seven will partner with the federal government to set up exchanges, and 25 will leave it to the federal government entirely.

On Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services gave the Washington effort (called the Washington Healthplanfinder) approval to move ahead, because it showed “significant progress toward operational and legal milestones.” Five other states’ plans were also approved.

Regarding employer penalties, here is a flow chart on which employers would have to pay them under the Affordable Care Act (for not offering affordable coverage).

This 2010 paper from the Congressional Research Service also talks about employer penalties, and it includes a table on how employees are counted: