Despite North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue’s announcement last month that the state will pursue a partnership health care exchange — one that shares responsibility with the federal government — the final decision lies with the Republican-led General Assembly and Governor-elect Pat McCrory, also a Republican.

“Things are still up in the air,” said Brad Deen, a spokesperson for North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services. “It’s kind of wait and see right now.”

The Affordable Care Act calls for the establishment of affordable insurance exchanges to provide uninsured individuals and small businesses with access to health insurance coverage beginning on Jan. 1, 2014. The vision is for a system where consumers can compare plans, prices and sign up for the one best-suited to their needs.