Universal Health Insurance

Private health insurance costs are out of control, New Jersey has joined a growing number of states - including Pennsylvania - that are hammering out plans for universal health insurance.

Gov. Jon Corzine and legislative leaders say that once they finish their property-tax overhaul, the issue will take center stage in Trenton. But as with tax reform, insuring the uninsured is a concept that is widely praised - and difficult to execute.

In preliminary proposals, all New Jersey residents would be required to have health insurance coverage - and could enroll in plans subsidized by the state.

The more than $1 billion price tag alone could be a deal breaker. But the costs of not overhauling the state's health-care system are much greater.

Separate legislation would be aimed at insuring around 600,000 residents who cannot afford private health insurance coverage but make too much to qualify for FamilyCare or Medicaid.