Corzine unveils plan to get health care to more children

Gov. Corzine today unveiled a new plan that will offer low-cost health coverage to the children of New Jersey families who lack insurance but earn too much for government help.

"Ensuring that children have access to quality medical care is a top priority of my administration," Gov. Corzine said today.

State Sen. Joseph Vitale (D., Middlesex) has said the new agreement, between the state and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, will make health insurance accessible for up to 60,000 children.

The program, expected to begin in January, will allow families to qualify for coverage if, for instance, their income exceeds $72,275 annually for a family of four and they lack private health insurance.

Eligible families will pay $137 per month per child for up to three children to enroll; families with more than three children will pay no more than $411.