TRENTON - New Jersey will consider adopting a program that "approaches universal health care," Gov. Corzine said yesterday, as the state seeks to provide health insurance to small businesses and uninsured residents.

The governor next month plans to introduce a health insurance plan that would coincide with state efforts to study hospitals and health clinics, Corzine said on WNYC, a New York public radio station.

Currently, uninsured residents rely on emergency-room care, costing the state about $1 billion a year.

"It is a horrible system, very inefficient," Corzine said.

Corzine said Monday that he would soon form a commission to study whether the state has too many hospitals. The state has 81 acute-care hospitals and 34 specialty hospitals. The state's hospitals averaged a 1 percent profit last year, and 40 percent lost money.

Corzine said yesterday that the state also would analyze community health clinics to develop "a more effective network."

Corzine did not elaborate on what his September plan would include, nor did his staff after the broadcast.

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By Tom Hester Jr.
Associated Press

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