INDIANAPOLIS Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Gregg said Monday he favors a hybrid health care exchange model.

Running mate Vi Simpson noted that Republican opponent Mike Pence failed to make a decision on the matter, instead throwing Hoosiers under the federal bureaucratic bus.

The comments from the Democratic ticket came after a meeting with Gov. Mitch Daniels, who had sought input from all governor hopefuls.

Health care exchanges are new entities being set up under the federal health care act to create an organized and competitive market for buying health insurance.

They will offer a choice of health plans and largely serve individuals or small businesses buying insurance.

States have the choice of setting up their own exchange, joining a regional exchange, taking a hybrid approach or doing nothing.

If they decide to do nothing, the federal government steps in and makes all the decisions.

Indiana has taken some preparatory steps, but Daniels has not officially moved forward with a plan.

States are required to decide by Nov. 16, only a few days after a new governor will have been elected but before he will have taken office. Daniels said he will honor the recommendation of whoever is elected.

Gregg said he supports the hybrid state/federal option because the state retains control while receiving reimbursement from the federal government.

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Gregg pushes hybrid care option