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SALT LAKE CITY -- The governor's office unveiled the Utah Health Exchange Wednesday. The exchange is a website to help Utahns choose their own health care plan.
"This effort really is putting Utah on the cutting edge and on the forefront of health care, health system reform," said Gov. Gary Herbert.
The Utah Health Exchange was created by House Bill 188 and signed into law by former Gov. Jon Huntsman in March. The website offers insurance options not only for individuals, but also for small businesses.
On the site, employers can contribute money toward their employee's health insurance premiums. The new approach will allow employees to use that money to "shop" for the health care plan that's right for them.
Julie Stout has already used eHealth to find insurance. She was working two jobs and wanted to start a private practice as a therapist.
When she left her jobs, Stout found herself without health insurance. She searched online and found eHealth.com and a plan that worked for her. She says having insurance has brought peace of mind.
"It means not having to worry about my house being at risk should I need to go and be hospitalized. I don't want to lose all the equity I've built up over the years, so it's security," Stout said.
Speaker of the House David Clark says a one-size-fits-all approach won't work for Utah.
"What the state is doing is connecting health insurance carriers with people that need health insurance. And I think that's one of the things the state has done, is really they've got the right goal," Gibbs said.
The Utah Health Exchange offers plans with most local insurance carriers. At Wednesday's press conference, three Utah companies enrolled: the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, First West Benefits Solutions and Klein Cabinets.
E-mail: aforester@ksl.com
