Governor Gary Herbert says he’s getting closer to making a decision about Medicaid expansion in Utah, and that it could come by the end of the year.
Herbert says as he learns more about the impacts of expanding Medicaid benefits, it is becoming clearer what his decision will be. But, he wouldn’t yet rule out any of the options, or variations of options, that he’s been presented with.
“I’m going to, at the end of the day, want to make sure that we do what’s in the best interest of the people of Utah, the taxpayers, and addressing the needs of those who are, in fact, vulnerable in our community, that need some help," he says. "We want to make sure that everybody has access to good quality health care.”
He made these comments while volunteering at the Utah Food Bank. The Food Bank is kicking off their Holiday Food Drive this week. Herbert says while government does have a role in helping out those in need, individuals and private groups can do the job better and more efficiently.