Utah Senate approves pilot to pair Medicaid waiver with private, limited‑benefit plans

Summary

The Senate passed first substitute House Bill 122 to let the state combine public funds and private insurers to offer limited‑benefit coverage to up to about 25,000 people under a federal 1115 Medicaid waiver; vote was 20‑4 with 5 absent. Sponsors say reporting will guard against unintended consequences; some senators warned of lower standards and market control over co‑pays.

The Utah Senate on Feb. 5 passed first substitute House Bill 122, a healthinsurance benefit‑design bill that authorizes the private insurance marketplace to offer limited‑benefit plans tied to the Department of Health’s 1115 Medicaid waiver. The measure passed under suspension of the rules by roll call, 20 aye, 4 nay, 5 absent, and will be returned to the House for further action.

The bill enables insurers to offer a coverage package that mirrors elements of the Department of Health’s waiver — including physician office visits, pharmacy, lab and X‑ray services, emergency care, health education and preventive dental — to a population roughly targeted at incomes below about 155 percent of the federal poverty level. Sponsors said the pilot could cover up to about 25,000 lives and requires annual reports to the Health and…

Utah Senate approves pilot to pair Medicaid waiver with private, limited‑benefit plans

Summary

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