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Utah committee advances bill requiring notice that health-sharing ministries are not insurance
Summary
The House Health and Human Services Committee advanced HB255, a disclosure bill requiring health-sharing ministries to prominently state they are not insurance and that they are not contractually obligated to pay members’ medical bills. The first substitute was adopted and the measure received a favorable recommendation.
Representative Abbott introduced HB255, saying the bill would require health-sharing ministries to place a prominent notice on websites, applications and marketing materials that "this is not insurance and they are not obligated to pay medical expenses." The sponsor said a technical substitute clarifies terminology around contracts.
Dave Gessel of the Utah Hospital Association testified in support, saying hospitals often lack contracts with health-sharing ministries and "there is really no, legal binding of anyone... oftentimes the patient and or the hospital gets stuck with the full bill." He urged lawmakers to consider further steps in the future to address provider liability.
A private citizen, Delaine England, described positive personal experiences with Christian and faith-based health-sharing programs and said some providers already make the distinction clear; the sponsor said the bill ensures consistent disclosure across providers.
The committee adopted the first substitute and then voted to pass HB255 forward with a favorable recommendation. Representative Elison proposed placing the bill on consent but the sponsor declined to do so.
