Residents in The Beehive State work in a variety of industries, including tourism, manufacturing, agriculture and petroleum production. Approximately 80 percent of Utahans live along the Wasatch Front, which is centered on the state capital in Salt Lake City. The people of Utah lean right and have traditionally supported Republican candidates for public office, particularly the presidency. Utah was one of the states to challenge the Affordable Care Act during its Supreme Court debacle, and the state has not expanded Medicaid under Obamacare guidelines.
Enrollment through the Years
Utah uses the federal marketplace for enrollment in Obamacare plans. Since 2015, the state has seen a substantial increase in the number of people signing up for coverage through the marketplace, which is surprising given Utah’s opposition to the law.
- 140,612 Utahns enrolled in 2015
- 175,637 Utahns enrolled in 2016
- 197,187 Utahns enrolled in 2017
In 2017, there were 59,664 new enrollees in an Obamacare marketplace plan. The remaining 137,523 people who re-enrolled from the previous year. Political uncertainty surrounding and following the presidential election did not affect enrollment given this year’s jump in signup numbers. Exchange customers in Utah tend to be younger. The 18-34 demographic had the highest enrollment tally in 2017.
Cost Assistance
Cost assistance is available to eligible enrollees who choose a plan on the marketplace, typically those earning between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty limit. In 2017, 86 percent of people who enrolled in a marketplace plan in Utah received cost assistance in the form of federal subsidies, which reduce the cost of monthly premiums.
For certain enrollees – those earning up to 250 percent of the federal poverty limit – cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) are also available if they choose a silver-level health plan. In 2017, 60 percent of Utah exchange customers received CSRs.
Carrier Participation & Plan Availability
Utah residents have just two carrier options in the marketplace for 2018, down from the three they had in 2017. Last year, there were 397 plans offered by these carriers across the state. This does not mean that every county in Utah has the same options for health insurance. Plan availability varies by county.
Note: The information provided on this page is constantly being updated with the latest statistical data available. Check back soon for updates.
