N.J. offers expanded health coverage for children

New Jersey will offer low-cost health coverage for the children of families who lack insurance but earn too much for government help, under a new agreement to be unveiled today.

State Sen. Joseph F. Vitale said a 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, putting it within reach for every New Jersey child at no extra cost to the state.

"This is the first step toward health coverage for all New Jerseyans," said Vitale (D., Middlesex), the Senate Health Committee chairman.

- AP