Utah taxpayers stuck with $13K tab after state underbills lawmakers for health insurance
Utah taxpayers are picking up an unexpected tab for lawmakers’ health insurance. A payroll error left 80 of the state’s 104 part‑time legislators underpaying their premiums, and the state says it will cover the shortfall instead of seeking repayment.
In a Friday notice to lawmakers, obtained by Utah Political Watch, the Utah Division of Finance said the most recent paycheck deductions for health insurance were mistakenly based on last year’s rates. The mix‑up produced a $13,300 under‑deduction affecting 80 legislators—about $166 per lawmaker—and the state will eat the cost.
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“As you know, our team is currently ‘all hands on deck’ with the implementation of the new Vantage Payroll project,” the letter said, adding that a temporary processor missed the update for legislative benefit amounts.
The agency says deductions are fixed going forward. The past shortfall, however, won’t be clawed back from lawmakers.
House and Senate leaders did not respond to requests for comment on why taxpayers—not lawmakers—will cover the underpayment.
Lawmakers receive state employee health insurance, with the state covering most of the premium. Compensation currently runs $301 per day during the 45‑day session, plus a $13,545 lump sum before January. They also draw the daily rate for official meetings and trainings. Last month, the Legislative Compensation Commission recommended a 5% cost‑of‑living bump to $318 per day.
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