Herbert asks Obama to approve Utah's health exchange

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah Governor Gary Herbert is asking President Barack Obama to approve the state'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.

Gov. Herbert asks the president to declare Utah's plan a model for other states. He says the plan required in the federal health care law would include fewer choices and make people more dependent on public programs.

Herbert says he needs answers to make a decision by Friday.

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