Bill would push state workers into high-deductible health plan

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State of Utah employees hired after July 1 would be automatically enrolled in a high-deductible health plan under a bill that won committee endorsement Wednesday.

HB18 would also require employees to attend a benefits fair or complete online training regarding health insurance options. Employees could still choose another health benefit, but the default would be a high-deductible plan with a health savings account, said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Brad Daw, R-Orem. The goal is to encourage workers to think about health care costs and use health care more wisely, he said.

The Utah Public Employees Association supports the legislation.

Kirsten Stewart