UtahH.B. 5992026 General SessionHouseWALLET

Social Services Funding Amendments

Sponsored By: Raymond P. Ward (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Health InsuranceHealth and Human ServicesHealth Care ProfessionalsDepartment of Health and Human ServicesMedicaidTobacco and Other Nicotine ProductsDentists and Dental Hygienists

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Medicaid adds transplant drugs and protections

Beginning March 1, 2027, Utah Medicaid must include drugs that prevent organ or tissue transplant rejection on its preferred list. This rule excludes drugs used for autoimmune diseases or diseases most likely caused by an autoimmune condition. Medicaid must pay for an organ transplant patient's prescribed drug when it meets medical-need rules. Medicaid cannot require patients to try another transplant drug first without both the provider's and patient's consent.

Yearly funding supports substance use treatment

Utah allocates $759,700 each fiscal year from its electronic cigarette and nicotine proceeds account for substance use treatment and prevention. The money goes to the Office of Substance Use and Mental Health. It can also provide state matching money for Medicaid substance use treatment. Spending requires legislative appropriation and available funds; payments follow the account's priority order and may be partial.

Less state funding for non-Medicaid crisis care

Utah cuts General Fund support for Non-Medicaid Behavioral Health Treatment and Crisis Response by $759,700 in each of two years. The first cut covers July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The second covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. These cuts reduce program funding, not create a payment duty for patients. The law does not specify resulting service cuts or household costs.

Children's coverage and dental delivery change

Utah must apply before July 1, 2026, to move its Children's Health Insurance Program into Medicaid. The move requires federal approval; the law does not guarantee that it happens. After an approved move, covered dental care must use the University of Utah School of Dentistry's statewide network when possible. This sets a statewide care pathway but also directs which provider network delivers dental care.

Medicaid fund interest shifts to state budget

Interest earned by Utah's Medicaid ACA Fund goes to the state's General Fund instead of staying in the Medicaid fund. This applies to interest earned in fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025, or later. The shift adds revenue to the general state budget while removing interest revenue from the dedicated Medicaid fund. It does not set a household payment or benefit amount.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Raymond P. Ward
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Keven J. Stratton
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 112 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension

Yes: 26 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 5 • No: 0

House vote • 3/3/2026

House/ substituted

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 3/3/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 69 • No: 1

House vote • 3/2/2026

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 6 • No: 0