There’s a huge difference between implementing something at the state level and incorporating a huge “one size fits all” system at the national. States can repeal what they do not like at that level. Witness the intrusion at the Fed. level.
He’s said he’ll work to institute free market options. Obama has said — ......
IIRC, to Romney, RomneyCare is a "free market" solution. His definition of "free market" involves a lot more gov't control, subsidies, tax breaks, "public-private partnerships," etc. than your traditional free-marketer would!