Plan to expand Health Insurance

AP

TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey will consider adopting a program that "approaches universal health care" as it seeks to provide health insurance to small businesses and uninsured residents, the governor said Thursday.

Gov. Jon S. Corzine said he plans in September to unveil a health insurance reform plan that would coincide with state efforts to study hospitals and health clinics.

While running for governor last year, Corzine proposed insuring 766,000 of the state's 1.2 million uninsured residents through a variety of reforms. Corzine said he could accomplish this by spending just $15 million more in state money.