Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order Thursday creating a health care exchange designed to make insurance more affordable for New Yorkers.

Under the exchange, a million New Yorkers who previously could not afford it will now have access to health care.

The governor's office claims the exchange allows individuals who purchase their own insurance to save 66 percent on their health care.

Small businesses who cover the costs for their employees will save 22 percent.

State and local governments pay over $600 million a year to cover the uninsured, meaning the average family pays an addition $800 in premiums.

The exchange will be paid for with federal funds and will comply with the federal Affordable Care Act passed in 2010.