Utah Governor Asks Obama to Approve State's Health Exchanges

Already in operation

Gov. Gary Herbert is asking President Barack Obama to approve Utah's health insurance exchange and declare that it meets the requirements of the federal health overhaul.

Herbert sent the letter Tuesday ahead of Friday's deadline for states to decide if they'll do their own exchange. Utah already operates an exchange.

The governor says that Utah's program gives 7,600 people and 318 small businesses a choice of 140 health insurance plans. The state is planning on expanding its exchange. The program was created to line up with Utah's "unique values, demographics, markets, and needs," Herbert wrote.