Health & Wellbeing

Accessible and affordable healthcare is a critical component of a high quality of life. The Utah House of Representatives is committed to expanding access to healthcare and strengthening mental health resources for individuals and families across the state. We recognize that healthy communities are the foundation of a strong Utah, and we are working to ensure that every Utahn has the opportunity to receive the care they need.

In recent years, we have taken meaningful steps to strengthen Utah’s healthcare system. Through targeted legislation, we have increased funding for mental health programs, supported initiatives to combat the healthcare worker shortage, and prioritized resources for rural Utah.

Innovation is key to building a more effective and efficient healthcare system. Utah has been a leader in advancing healthcare technology and delivery models, and we continue to support policies that encourage innovation, improve patient outcomes, and increase affordability.

Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to, supporting providers, and ensuring that individuals and families have access to the resources they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Funding Highlights

  • $195 million for the Rural Health Transformation Program

    Supported health and healthcare in rural Utah.

  • $75 million for the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Vineyard Campus

    Supported the new cancer institute in Utah County.

  • $20 million to improve healthcare for Medicaid recipients

    Raised Medicaid payment rates for healthcare providers serving low-income Utahns.

  • $16 million in new funding for Utahns with disabilities

    Funded additional services to hundreds of Utahns with disabilities (since 2023).

  • $5 million for cancer research

    Provided cancer research and treatment resources for Utahns.

Recent Legislation

HB 36

2026

Gold Medal Schools Pilot Program

Created a pilot program to provide funding to rural schools to promote healthy physical lifestyle choices and improve student physical education, activity, and nutrition

HB 342

2026

Federal Grant Process Amendments

Created a legislative committee to oversee the disbursement of almost $1B in Rural Health Transformation Program federal funds over the next five years to improve the health of rural Utahns

HB 403

2025

SNAP Funds Amendments

Made soda ineligible to purchase with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, focusing federal food assistance on healthier foods

SB 69

2025

Medication Amendments

Prevented pharmaceutical manufacturers from restricting rural hospitals from using contract pharmacies for 340B-eligible prescription drugs

HB 152

2025

Health Care Facilities Amendments

Required certain staffing, medical resources, and price transparency at freestanding emergency departments to ensure high-quality patient care

SB 26

2024

Behavioral Health Licensing Amendments

Streamlined licensing requirements for behavioral healthcare providers to improve access to healthcare for Utahns

SB 27

2024

Behavioral Health System Amendments

Created the Behavioral Health Commission to coordinate public and private mental health and substance use treatment across the state