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