Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox has signed an amended version of SB 31 sponsored by Sen. Curtis S. Bramble (R-Dist. 24), allowing Utahns to remain free to choose their health care.

This clarifies that health care sharing ministries are not insurance and therefore not subject to the Utah insurance code or associated regulations.

This is similar to laws in 31 other states that have adopted safe harbors for health care sharing ministries.

The original bill would have required religious charities to report data regularly to state insurance bureaucrats in order to meet the requirements of the bill’s “safe harbor” exemption from the state insurance code for health care sharing ministries. It would have placed these non-insurance ministries under the jurisdiction of the Insurance Commissioner.

The now amended version of SB 31 protects health care freedom and religious liberty, thanks to strong support by House leaders, especially Speaker Mike Schultz and Majority Whip Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, and culminating in an amendment offered by Rep. Jefferson Burton that received near-unanimous support. The legislation directly affects more than 10,000 Utahns who are members of a health care sharing ministry.

“This protects the freedom of all residents of Utah who want biblically based health care without the red tape, expense and network restrictions of health insurance,” said Anthony Hopp, vice president and chief purpose office of Samaritan Ministries International (Samaritanministries.org)

“It ensures not only religious liberty and health care flexibility, but it demonstrates Utah’s commitment to freedom,” Hopp said.

Among other things, the amended law:

Protects health care sharing ministries as a viable choice for Utahns who are seeking a health care solution that is consistent with their religious beliefs.

Clarifies for consumers that health care sharing ministries are not insurance and helps distinguish HCSMs from other organizations in the marketplace.

Preserves all already-existing enforcement authority of the state attorney general to go after bad actors.

“We’re grateful to Governor Cox and everyone who was involved in passing this historic legislation,” Hopp said. “They have confirmed their commitment to the health care freedom and religious liberty of the residents of Utah.”

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