TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey is one of at least 24 states considering universal health coverage along the lines of the plan adopted by Massachusetts in April 2006(see story above). According to the New York Times, New Jersey lawmakers are drawing up a proposal to provide medical insurance to the state’s 1.2 million residents who are now uninsured. The plan, which could be enacted as earlier as March, could cost $1.7 billion in the first year, but is unlikely to go into effect any time soon.