Updated July 2026 · UtahPlanFinder.com — Licensed Health Insurance Producer (NPN #21249133)

Health Insurance in Salt Lake County, Utah

In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace health insurance plans in Salt Lake County through HealthCare.gov.
Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, covering adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
On-exchange plans in Salt Lake County primarily consist of HMO and EPO networks; PPO plans are not available on the marketplace.
Salt Lake County has a population of over 1.19 million, with an uninsured rate of 9.2%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

Navigating health insurance options in Salt Lake County, Utah, involves understanding the plans available through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. Residents of Salt Lake County can choose from various Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans, which are the primary network types offered on-exchange in Utah. Unlike some other states, PPO plans are not available on the HealthCare.gov marketplace in Utah. Additionally, Utah expanded its Medicaid program in 2020, offering critical coverage for adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, along with specific programs for pregnant women and children.

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What Health Insurance Plans Are Available in Salt Lake County?

In Salt Lake County, your primary options for health insurance through HealthCare.gov are Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. These plans are designed to provide comprehensive coverage with different approaches to network providers and referrals:

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): These plans typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the plan's network. Your PCP coordinates most of your care and provides referrals to specialists. HMOs generally have lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, but offer less flexibility in choosing providers outside the network.
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): EPO plans offer a network of doctors and hospitals you can use without needing a referral from a PCP. However, like HMOs, they generally do not cover care received outside their network, except in emergencies. EPOs offer a balance between the cost-efficiency of an HMO and some of the flexibility of a PPO.

It is important to note that PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans are not available on the HealthCare.gov marketplace in Utah. While PPO plans may exist off-marketplace, they would not be eligible for federal subsidies, which can significantly reduce your monthly premiums and other costs. When selecting a plan, consider your healthcare needs, preferred doctors, and budget to determine whether an HMO or EPO best suits you.

Understanding Affordability and Financial Assistance in Salt Lake County

Access to affordable health insurance is a key concern for many residents. Fortunately, several programs and subsidies are available to help make coverage more accessible in Salt Lake County.

ACA Subsidies: Through HealthCare.gov, individuals and families with incomes above the Medicaid threshold can qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. These subsidies are designed to lower your monthly premium payments and reduce out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Eligibility for these subsidies is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The amount of assistance you receive depends on your income, household size, and the cost of plans in your area.

Utah Medicaid: Utah expanded its Medicaid program in 2020 following Proposition 3. This means that adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible for comprehensive health coverage through Utah Medicaid. This expansion has significantly reduced the number of uninsured individuals in the state and eliminated the "coverage gap" that exists in non-expansion states. For a single individual, 138% FPL is approximately $20,783 annually in 2024, though exact figures are subject to change. Utah Medicaid provides coverage for a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and mental health services.

Medicaid for Pregnant Women and Children: Utah also offers specific Medicaid and CHIP programs for vulnerable populations:

Pregnant Women: Utah Medicaid covers pregnant women with incomes up to 144% FPL, which extends coverage beyond the standard adult Medicaid threshold. This includes comprehensive prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Applications can be submitted through Utah's Medicaid portal (medicaid.utah.gov).
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program): Uninsured children in households with incomes up to 200% FPL can qualify for Utah CHIP, ensuring access to essential healthcare services.

If your income falls within these thresholds, applying for Utah Medicaid or CHIP should be your first step to securing coverage. If your income is above these limits, HealthCare.gov will guide you to marketplace plans with potential subsidies.

Health Insurance Carriers in Salt Lake County

Salt Lake County is part of Utah Rating Area 3, which covers Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, and Wasatch counties. In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans to residents within this rating area. These carriers provide a range of HMO and EPO options to meet diverse healthcare needs.

The confirmed health insurance carriers offering plans on HealthCare.gov in Salt Lake County for the 2026 plan year include:

BridgeSpan Health Company
Imperial Health Plan of Utah
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah
Select Health
University of Utah Health Plans

When selecting a plan, it is advisable to compare options from these carriers based on premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and the specific networks of doctors and hospitals they include. Working with a licensed agent can help you efficiently compare plans and ensure your preferred providers are in-network.

Local Healthcare Landscape in Salt Lake County

Salt Lake County, with a population of 1,196,523 and an uninsured rate of 9.2% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is served by a robust healthcare infrastructure. The county's median income is $97,494, and the median age is 34.0 years. Residents have access to a variety of medical facilities, including major acute care hospitals. These facilities are critical for providing comprehensive care to the county's diverse population and are often included in the networks of the health insurance plans available in Rating Area 3.

Key hospitals and health systems serving Salt Lake County include:

Holy Cross Hospital Salt Lake (Salt Lake City)
Lds Hospital (Salt Lake City)
University of Utah Hospital and Clinics (Salt Lake City)
Intermountain Medical Center (Murray)
Intermountain Health Alta View Hospital (Sandy)
St Mark's Hospital (Salt Lake City)
Holy Cross Hospital-jordan Valley (West Jordan)
Intermountain Health Riverton Hospital (Riverton)
Lone Peak Hospital (Draper)
Primary Children's Hospital (Salt Lake City)

When choosing a health plan, verifying that your preferred doctors and hospitals are part of the plan's network is essential. The significant number of facilities ensures that residents have access to a broad spectrum of specialized care, from routine check-ups to advanced medical treatments, throughout Salt Lake County.

Making Your Health Insurance Decision in Salt Lake County

Choosing the right health insurance plan requires careful consideration of your personal needs, financial situation, and access to local healthcare providers. Here’s a general guide to help you make an informed decision:

Assess Your Income: If your household income is at or below 138% FPL (or 144% FPL for pregnant women, 200% FPL for children), explore Utah Medicaid first at medicaid.utah.gov.
Explore Marketplace Options: If your income is above Medicaid limits, use HealthCare.gov to compare plans. You may qualify for significant subsidies that reduce your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Pay close attention to plan metallic tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and their balance of premiums versus cost-sharing.
Understand Network Types: Remember that on-exchange plans in Salt Lake County are primarily HMOs and EPOs. Consider whether you prefer a plan that requires a PCP referral (HMO) or one that offers more direct access to specialists within its network (EPO).
Check Doctor and Hospital Networks: Always verify that your current doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals, such as University of Utah Hospital and Clinics or Intermountain Medical Center, are in-network for any plan you are considering.
Consult a Licensed Agent: A local licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, help you compare plans from the 5 available carriers, and assist with the enrollment process at no additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of health insurance plans are available in Salt Lake County?

In Salt Lake County, marketplace plans available through HealthCare.gov include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) networks. PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah, meaning your marketplace choice will be between HMO and EPO options.

Who qualifies for Utah Medicaid in Salt Lake County?

Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, making it available to adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a single individual, this threshold is approximately $20,783 annually in 2024. Pregnant women may qualify with incomes up to 144% FPL, and children through CHIP up to 200% FPL.

How many health insurance carriers offer plans in Salt Lake County's marketplace?

For the 2026 plan year, five health insurance carriers offer marketplace plans in Salt Lake County, which is part of Utah Rating Area 3. These carriers include BridgeSpan Health Company, Imperial Health Plan of Utah, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, Select Health, and University of Utah Health Plans.

Is it possible to get a PPO plan on HealthCare.gov in Salt Lake County?

No, PPO plans are not available on the HealthCare.gov marketplace in Utah. Residents seeking coverage through the federal exchange in Salt Lake County will choose between HMO and EPO network structures. While PPO plans may exist off-marketplace, they would not be eligible for federal subsidies.

Where can I apply for health insurance or Medicaid in Salt Lake County?

You can apply for marketplace health insurance plans and explore subsidies through HealthCare.gov. For Utah Medicaid, including programs for pregnant women and children, you should apply directly through Utah's Medicaid portal at medicaid.utah.gov.