HEALTH

Critics say Healthy Utah app too expensive, state officials fire back

May 5, 2020, 6:51 PM

...

UTAH STATE CAPITOL – Critics are claiming the Healthy Utah coronavirus app is too expensive. Officials are pushing back against the critics saying the state paid far too much to develop the Healthy Utah coronavirus contact tracing app.  They’re calling it a “meaningful down payment” to protect the health and safety of people in the state.

The Deseret News reports the state entered into a $2.75 million contract with Twenty, the developers of the Healthy Utah app.  A spokesperson for the developers explains it was an initial $1.75 million contract, with an additional $1 million to further develop the app.  Plus, the state could pay $300 thousand every month in support fees for up to a million users.

Some state lawmakers, like Representative Andrew Stoddard, say that’s an “extremely high” price tag.  He tweeted a post saying, “I recognize the need during times of emergency to expedite the process and that things may be more expensive, but this seems absurd.  There was no burning need in our state for an app that asks us how we feel each day.” 

(Screenshots from the Healthy Utah app. Credit: Utah Governor’s Office)

However, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget says the money was well-spent.  Spokesman Colby Oliverson sent KSL a statement saying the coronavirus app has already made it easier for users to connect with testing when they need it, and that the app will get more useful over time.   

The statement reads, “Utah is invested in aggressively testing for COVID-19 and testing for its presence in our communities.  The state’s investment in Healthy Together is a meaningful down payment in the short-term and long-term health of our state, giving ordinary Utahns and public health workers the tools and information they need to effectively combat coronavirus.”

Since the coronavirus app was unveiled, roughly 40 thousand people have downloaded it, and a spokesperson for Twenty says over 100 thousand symptom assessments have been done in the past two weeks.  Spokesperson Meredith Kelly sent a statement saying the state will announce additional features on the app in the coming weeks, which will streamline communication between the state and public health officials.

As for the high price tag, Kelly states the company has spent tens of millions of dollars developing software that works with both Apple and Android applications.  She says Twenty has had to create technology uniquely suited to that challenge.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Health

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

(Canva)...

Michelle Lee

How, and why, a hobby can bring joy to your life

If it brings you pleasure, is meaningful, and you can do it regularly, you've got yourself a hobby! Here's why they can benefit us so much.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Alexandrea Bonilla

Utah clinics winning the fight against overprescribed antibiotics

Intermountain Health and the University of Utah found that urgent-care facilities were more likely to prescribe antibiotics as a quick, easy solution.

11 months ago

Utah Food Bank...

Allessandra Harris

Utah Food Bank aims to ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ this summer

The Utah Food Bank is joining forces with the Letter Carriers Union to collect non-perishable food items for those in need.

11 months ago

...

LEANNE ITALIE AP Entertainment Writer

Mommy blogger Heather Armstrong, known as Dooce to fans, dead at 47

Armstrong had laid bare her struggles as a mother and her battles with depression and alcoholism on her site, Dooce.com, and on social media since 2001.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Critics say Healthy Utah app too expensive, state officials fire back