MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Gov. Jim Doyle hopes to get federal approval for an expansion of the state's BadgerCare Plus health insurance program within the next three to five months.

The plan to expand the basic coverage to about 81,000 childless adults starting Jan. 1 has already won approval from the state Legislature.

Doyle was in Washington, D.C., on Monday to meet with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt about the program.

It would create a health insurance plan for low-income, working adults who don't have children under age 18.

They would have to pay a low enrollment fee and make small copays, but how much is being worked out.