Health & Wellbeing

The Utah House of Representatives is committed to promoting policies that empower Utahns to live healthy, active lives, support mental well-being, and strengthen access to quality care.  In recent years, we have taken meaningful steps to strengthen Utah’s healthcare system by  increasing funding for mental health programs, supporting initiatives to address the healthcare worker shortage, and prioritizing 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 as a part of a five-year nearly $1 billion investment

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

    Supported the new cancer institute in Utah County, giving more Utahns access to world-class care

  • $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 services for Utahns with disabilities

    Funded additional services to support 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 416

2026

Firefighter Cancer Trust Fund

Created a firefighter cancer trust fund to provide streamlined benefits to firefighters diagnosed with cancer as a result of their service

SB 69

2025

Medication Amendments

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

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

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