"Both of these examples could easily lead to more severe disease, hospitalization, more suffering for the child and family, more lost work time for the family and all of the increased financial costs associated with more advanced disease," Miescier said.

The Senate budget bill also calls for cuts to the Medicaid program, but does not recommend service cuts or increased cost-sharing. Savings are largely recognized through changes in how prescription medications are purchased and rebates offered to drug manufacturers, Riggle said.

The House and Senate are expected to begin working to reconcile their budget proposals when Congress reconvenes next week. Advocates on Thursday encouraged Utahns to contact their House members and urge more modest cuts, while also thanking Utah Sens. Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett for their work so far and asking them to continue to fight for the final bill to look more like the Senate version than the House's.

"While we might not agree with all of the (Senate) cuts, most advocates would agree it left untouched the programs for the most vulnerable of our citizens," Crompton said.

As the second highest second-highest ranking on the Senate Finance Committee, Hatch is likely to be named as a member of the conference committee that will negotiate the budget bill. Hatch spokesman Peter Carr said Thursday the senator is "hopeful" he will be appointed.

"There has been considerable discussion at the staff level, though, and they understand his concerns with the House provisions," Carr said. "Once the conferees are named, he'll evaluate how to be the most effective."

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E-mail: awelling@desnews.com