All Roll Calls
Yes: 121 • No: 16
UtahS.B. 1582026 General SessionSenateWALLET
Recreational Therapy Program Amendments
Sponsored By: Todd Weiler (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Health InsuranceHealth and Human ServicesDepartment of Health and Human ServicesMedicaid
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Medicaid coverage for recreational therapy
Beginning May 6, 2026, Utah Medicaid covers recreational therapy for qualified enrollees once the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approves the required waiver or state plan amendment. You must be enrolled in Medicaid and have a referral from a mental health therapist. The therapy must be provided by someone authorized under Title 58, Chapter 40. Services must be at eligible sites, including general hospitals; youth residential treatment facilities; behavioral health programs; intermediate care facilities; assisted living facilities; skilled nursing facilities; psychiatric hospitals; mental health agencies; and licensed residential support programs accredited by the American Camp Association.
Utah must seek federal approval for therapy coverage
The law requires the Utah Department of Health and Human Services to apply to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for a Medicaid waiver or state plan change to pay for recreational therapy. The statute sets the application deadline as before January 1, 2024. The department is also authorized to seek any other needed waivers or plan amendments to put this coverage in place. The application must cover services at the listed settings, such as general hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, mental health agencies, youth residential treatment, intermediate care, behavioral health programs, and licensed residential support programs accredited by the American Camp Association. Medicaid does not pay for these services until CMS approves.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Todd Weiler
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Karianne Lisonbee
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/4/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 54 • No: 14
House vote • 2/24/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 9 • No: 2
Senate vote • 2/10/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 26 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/9/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 28 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/9/2026
Senate/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/9/2026
Senate/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 1/26/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 4 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/18/2026Senate/ to Governor
3/11/2026SenateSenate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/11/2026SenateSenate/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/6/2026SenateEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/6/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/6/2026Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling
3/6/2026Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling
3/5/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/5/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ Rules to 3rd Reading Calendar
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ return to Rules due to fiscal impact
2/25/2026HouseHouse/ committee report favorable
2/25/2026HouseHouse Comm - Favorable Recommendation
2/24/2026House/ to standing committee
2/23/2026HouseHouse/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/17/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
2/13/2026HouseSenate/ to House
2/12/2026SenateSenate/ passed 3rd reading
2/10/2026SenateSenate/ 3rd reading
2/10/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd reading
2/9/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/6/2026
Introduced
1/19/2026
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