SALT LAKE CITY - A bill challenging "Healthy Utah" is moving forward on the Hill.
Some have dubbed the measure "Frail Utah," a term the bill's sponsor, Sen. Allen Christensen, says carries a negative connotation.
Christensen renamed the bill "Vulnerable Utah" but the plan remains the same.
It would provide health coverage to those below 100 percent of the federal poverty level and considered to be medically frail.
"It's not government's purpose to provide everything to everyone; it never has been, never will be," Sen. Christensen said. "Our constitution provides opportunity, not direct care to people. When it starts providing too much then we're all in trouble."
A handful of people spoke out against the bill.
"A rose is a rose; this bill is the same thing," Sen. Brian Shiozawa said. "It has the well intentions that it had before and it has exactly the same flaws that it had before."
In the end, the committee had the final say; the bill passed with a 4-to-2 vote.
The committee had already passed the "Health Utah" bill.
In speaking to Sen. Christensen and Sen. Shiozawa, they said they are not surprised both bills will move to the Senate.
They said it is important the full Senate weighs in on the issues.
