NJ Senate Passes Online Health Insurance Bill

New Jersey's Senate has passed a bill that would create an online marketplace for health insurance.

The Record of Woodland Park reports the bill passed 21-17.

It aims to help small businesses and some consumers buy health insurance.

The state has until Nov. 16 to decide if it will create its own health insurance marketplace or join a federal program.

On Monday Gov. Chris Christie said he'd take the remaining time to consult with policy experts.

Christie vetoed a similar bill in the spring because the U.S. Supreme Court hadn't ruled on President Obama's health care reform law.

Since the court upheld the law, Christie has said he'd wait until after the election to make his decision.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)