02/25/2025

 
Thank you, Chair Williams, Vice Chair Paradee and members of the Joint Finance Committee. My name is Brian Frazee, President & CEO of the Delaware Healthcare Association. On behalf of DHA’s membership of Delaware’s hospitals, health systems, and related healthcare organizations, thank you for the opportunity to comment on the FY 2026 DHSS budget.
 
We are thankful for your partnership as we work toward addressing the serious healthcare challenges facing our state.
 
DHA is deeply concerned about the potential for billions of dollars in federal cuts to Medicaid and other key healthcare programs. These cuts would have a detrimental impact on Delawareans, leading to fewer people with coverage, more delayed care, worsening conditions and more hospital visits. This may also mean lower or in some cases no reimbursement for healthcare providers, straining critical resources.
 
Our nonprofit hospitals will continue to care for everyone that enters our doors 24/7/365, regardless of ability to pay. We are ready to be the backstop for harmful federal policies.
 
DHA’s 2025 priorities -- Strengthening Delaware’s healthcare workforce, ensuring access to quality and affordable healthcare, and advancing health equity – are focused on collaborative solutions to some of Delaware’s biggest healthcare challenges.
 
As the 6^th oldest and 8^th fastest growing state in the nation, strengthening our healthcare workforce is an urgent issue for Delaware.

• We respectfully request support for a healthcare workforce scholarship program to help more Delawareans access the education and training needed for a career in healthcare in the First State.
• We also support incentives to encourage more to serve as preceptors, educating and training the next generation of healthcare workers.

Ensuring healthcare access, quality and affordability is about ensuring everyone can get the care they need when they need it. Unfortunately, insurance company denials and delays can deter patients from seeking care, increase burnout for healthcare providers, and contribute to higher healthcare costs.

• We respectfully request support for prior authorization reform legislation this year that will reduce the burden on healthcare providers and help remove barriers that prevent patients from accessing needed care.

Finally, advancing health equity is about ensuring equitable access to care for all Delawareans.

• We support extending health insurance coverage for the uninsured, underinsured and most vulnerable, including preventative coverage for prenatal care and dialysis care. These initiatives will improve the health of our neighbors while also reducing healthcare costs.

We respectfully request the JFC and Governor Meyer ensure needed funding to address these healthcare challenges. We look forward to working together to make the First State first in health. Thank you.
On February 24th, DHA sent a letter to the Delaware General Assembly Joint Finance Committee (JFC) urging funding for DHA's priorities. Read the letter here.