Only 11 states have implemented crucial ACA reforms

Just 11 states have taken steps to implement rules set forth by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to protect health insurance consumers, according to a report by the Commonwealth Fund.

The nonpartisan organization found 39 states have not yet passed laws or issued regulations mandated by seven healthcare reforms, Reuters reports. These include providing coverage to people with preexisting medical conditions, prohibiting coverage waiting periods and cutting out-of-pocket expenses, among others.

Under the ACA, these reforms are set to take effect in January 2014, when millions of Americans are expected to shop for and purchase insurance coverage via state or federal exchanges.

The Commonwealth Fund warned states that don't implement the mandated reforms will have difficulty governing their own health exchanges and will likely have to hand control over to Washington.

Minnesota is among the handful of states that has seen significant progress in implementing a local benefits market abiding by ACA regulations. Earlier this week, the state's exchange launched a website to better reach the more than one million Minnesota residents who are expected to purchase coverage using the exchange, according to Duluth News Tribune.

The website features a benefits calculator, updated news and an educational video explaining the system.