Christie agrees to expand Medicaid in NJ

by Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press |
President Barack Obama (R) is greeted by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie upon arriving in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on October 31, 2012 to visit areas hardest hit by the unprecedented cyclone Sandy. Americans sifted through the wreckage of superstorm Sandy on Wednesday as millions remained without power. The storm carved a trail of devastation across New York City and New Jersey, killing dozens of people in several states, swamping miles of coastline, and throwing the tied-up White House race into disarray just days before the vote. (Getty Images/AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad)

President Barack Obama (R) is greeted by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie upon arriving in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on October 31, 2012 to visit areas hardest hit by the unprecedented cyclone Sandy. Americans sifted through the wreckage of superstorm Sandy on Wednesday as millions remained without power. The storm carved a trail of devastation across New York City and New Jersey, killing dozens of people in several states, swamping miles of coastline, and throwing the tied-up White House race into disarray just days before the vote. (Getty Images/AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad)

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Gov. Chris Christie says New Jersey will join a growing list of states expanding Medicaid to more low-income people.

Christie announced the plan in his state budget address Tuesday.

Christie is the eighth Republican governor to endorse the expansion, which is part of the federal health insurance overhaul.

Lawmakers are likely to approve in New Jersey. If they do, more childless adults will be eligible for Medicaid and the federal government will pick up the bill for the first three years.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.