"The United Health Foundation ranks Utah as 2018’s fifth healthiest state in the U.S., leading the nation with the lowest numbers of excessive drinking, smoking, diabetes and cancer death rates.

Last year, Utah was ranked fourth healthiest state. ...

Utah ranked first for behaviors, fifth for outcomes, sixth for clinical care, 11th for community and environment, and 37th for policy. The state also ranks second for senior health and sixth for women and children’s health.

Utah has the lowest numbers in the country for excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. This, along with ranking fifth for physical activity, 27th for high school graduation rates and fourth for low numbers of obese adults, contribute to the state ranking first in terms of healthy behaviors.

“Culturally, Utah has a lower rate of alcohol consumption, and consequently excessive drinking. It’s one of the many cultural aspects of living in Utah that favors good health,” David Blodgett, director of the Southwest Utah Public Health Department said.

Utah did not do well, however, when it comes to drug-related deaths, coming in 40th. ...

Additionally, Utah is 33rd when it comes to uninsured populations and 32nd for public health funding. All of these things combined give Utah a rank of 37th for policy, its lowest ranking category."

https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2019/02/15/hw-mks-utah-drops-to-5th-healthiest-state-but-has-lowest-numbers-for-cancer-deaths-excessive-drinking/#.XGh8C6JKipo

(anono this week)

Sounds like we are doing rather well. The only gripe is the 37th for policy. Which is the result of a legislature that is committed to a balanced budget, unlike places like Illinois or California that maybe facing bankruptcy soon, with their massive expenditures on entitled people. 37th is not a bad thing... I'm glad we are 37th for policy! wahoo!

including the rainy day fund it is almost $30 billion

https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/California-has-extraordinary-budget-13392995.php

Their surplus is almost as large as the entire budget of Utah - $16.8 billion
https://le.utah.gov/interim/2018/pdf/00001940.pdf

I think a major issue in California is the Proposition 13 mess. I call it a fiasco. IMO.

With the high cost of housing in Utah though, people cannot afford healthcare after they pay for housing. Housing takes upwards of half or more their take home pay and then some. So other necessities go without including food, medicine, healthcare, etc.