House approves second substitute of HB18 requiring training and default high‑deductible plan for new employees

The Utah House on Feb. 4 approved a second substitute to HB18, a health‑reform and cost‑containment measure that sets a high‑deductible health plan as the default option for newly hired employees and requires training on plan options.

Key provisions: The bill makes a high‑deductible plan the default for new hires in any subdivision where such a plan is offered, while preserving employees’ ability to opt into a different plan at enrollment. It requires employers to make a brief (about 15‑minute) training available to employees (including elected officials) explaining the options; sponsors said the requirement intends to ensure employees are informed and that there is no enforcement penalty for noncompletion. The substitute removes the actuarial‑neutrality requirement from statute, a change that drew questions about potential migration between plan types and effects on traditional plans.

Floor discussion: Representatives pressed the sponsor on whether the training is mandatory or merely an availability requirement and on actuarial neutrality. The sponsor responded that the bill’s language requires employers to make training available but does not create enforcement penalties, and that actuarial neutrality is hard to assess between different plan designs; the intent is to offer two competitive plans without making one unattractive.

Outcome: After debate and several members’ questions, the House recorded passage of second substitute HB18 with a recorded vote of 70 yes and 0 no. The bill will be sent to the Senate for consideration.