ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - MNsure is entering its proving grounds.

Minnesota's health insurance exchange has relied heavily on federal funds that will dry up by the end of the year.

Health care experts and consultants say it's too early to declare MNsure unsustainable as some Republicans have suggested. But there are some signs of trouble.

The exchange's budget depends on fees from private plan signups. But enrollment in those plans has fallen short of projections several times.

Caroline Pearson from Avalere Health says all state-based exchanges aren't faring as well as the federal hub. She says Minnesota's marketplace has outperformed those in other states.

MNsure CEO Scott Leitz says the exchange's budget is on solid footing.

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